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Rahlfs H, Hüllebrand M, Schmitter S, Strecker C, Harloff A, Hennemuth A. Learning carotid vessel wall segmentation in black-blood MRI using sparsely sampled cross-sections from 3D data. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2024; 11:044503. [PMID: 39006308 PMCID: PMC11245174 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.11.4.044503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Atherosclerosis of the carotid artery is a major risk factor for stroke. Quantitative assessment of the carotid vessel wall can be based on cross-sections of three-dimensional (3D) black-blood magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To increase reproducibility, a reliable automatic segmentation in these cross-sections is essential. Approach We propose an automatic segmentation of the carotid artery in cross-sections perpendicular to the centerline to make the segmentation invariant to the image plane orientation and allow a correct assessment of the vessel wall thickness (VWT). We trained a residual U-Net on eight sparsely sampled cross-sections per carotid artery and evaluated if the model can segment areas that are not represented in the training data. We used 218 MRI datasets of 121 subjects that show hypertension and plaque in the ICA or CCA measuring ≥ 1.5 mm in ultrasound. Results The model achieves a high mean Dice coefficient of 0.948/0.859 for the vessel's lumen/wall, a low mean Hausdorff distance of 0.417 / 0.660 mm , and a low mean average contour distance of 0.094 / 0.119 mm on the test set. The model reaches similar results for regions of the carotid artery that are not incorporated in the training set and on MRI of young, healthy subjects. The model also achieves a low median Hausdorff distance of 0.437 / 0.552 mm on the 2021 Carotid Artery Vessel Wall Segmentation Challenge test set. Conclusions The proposed method can reduce the effort for carotid artery vessel wall assessment. Together with human supervision, it can be used for clinical applications, as it allows a reliable measurement of the VWT for different patient demographics and MRI acquisition settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinrich Rahlfs
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Computer-Assisted Cardiovascular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Hüllebrand
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Computer-Assisted Cardiovascular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- DZHK, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Strecker
- University of Freiburg, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- University of Freiburg, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anja Hennemuth
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Computer-Assisted Cardiovascular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- DZHK, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany
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Han N, Wang J, Ma Y, Ma L, Zheng Y, Fan F, Wu C, Yue S, Li J, Liang J, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Yang T, Zhang J. The hemodynamic and geometric characteristics of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque formation. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:4348-4361. [PMID: 39022224 PMCID: PMC11250319 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Ischemic stroke, which has a high incidence, disability, and mortality rate, is mainly caused by carotid atherosclerotic plaque. The difference in the geometric structures of the carotid arteries inevitably leads to the variability in the local hemodynamics, which plays a key role in the formation of carotid atherosclerosis. At present, the combined mechanisms of hemodynamic and geometric in the formation of carotid atherosclerotic plaque are not clear. Thus, this study characterized the geometric and hemodynamic characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation using four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Ultimately, 122 carotid arteries from 61 patients were examined in this study. According to the presence of plaques at the bifurcation of the carotid artery on cervical vascular ultrasound (US), carotid arteries were placed into a plaque group (N=69) and nonplaque group (N=53). The ratio of the maximum internal carotid artery (ICA) inner diameter to the maximum common carotid artery (CCA) inner diameter (ICA-CCA diameter ratio), bifurcation angle, and tortuosity were measured using neck three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D TOF-MRA). Meanwhile, 4D flow MRI was used to obtain the following hemodynamic parameters of the carotid arteries: volume flow rate, velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and pressure gradient (PG). Independent sample t-tests were used to compare carotid artery geometry and hemodynamic changes between the plaque group and nonplaque group. Results The ICA-CCA diameter ratio between the plaque group and the nonplaque group was not significantly different (P=0.124), while there were significant differences in the bifurcation angle (P=0.005) and tortuosity (P=0.032). The bifurcation angle of the plaque group was greater than that of the nonplaque group (60.70°±20.75° vs. 49.32°±22.90°), and the tortuosity was smaller than that of the nonplaque group (1.07±0.04 vs. 1.09±0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of volume flow rate (P=0.351) and the maximum value of velocity (velocitymax) (P=0.388), but the axial, circumferential, and 3D WSS values were all significantly different, including their mean values (all P values <0.001) and the maximum value of 3D WSS (P<0.001), with the mean axial, circumferential, 3D WSS values, along with the maximum 3D WSS value, being lower in the plaque group. The two groups also differed significantly in terms of maximum PG value (P=0.030) and mean PG value (P=0.026), with these values being greater in the nonplaque group than in the plaque group. Conclusions A large bifurcation angle and a low tortuosity of the carotid artery are geometric risk factors for plaque formation in this area. Low WSS and low PG values are associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Han
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jintao Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yurong Ma
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Laiyang Ma
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Fan
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chuang Wu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Songhong Yue
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juan Liang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhou
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingli Yang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
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Yu C, Li Y, Xiao Y, Li Q, Lu W, Qiu J, Wang F, Li J. Characterization of posterior circulation blood perfusion in patients with different degrees of basilar artery tortuosity. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07591-9. [PMID: 38809448 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07591-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The morphology of basilar artery (BA) may affect posterior circulation blood perfusion. We aimed to investigate whether different degrees of BA tortuosity could lead to the alterations of posterior circulation perfusion. METHODS We collected 138 subjects with different BA tortuosity scores, including 32 cases of score 0, 45 cases of score 1, 43 cases of score 2, and 18 cases of score 3. A higher score represented a higher degree of BA tortuosity. Ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors for BA tortuosity. We quantitatively measured the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in eight posterior circulation brain regions using arterial spin labeling. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. The correlation between the CBF and BA tortuosity was corrected by the Bonferroni method. The significance level was set at 0.006 (0.05/8). RESULTS Hypertension (HR: 2.39; 95%CI: 1.23-4.71; P = 0.01) and vertebral artery dominance (HR: 2.38; 95%CI: 1.10-4.67; P = 0.03) were risk factors for BA tortuosity. CBF in occipital gray matter (R = -0.383, P < 0.001), occipital white matter (R = -0.377, P < 0.001), temporal gray matter (R = -0.292, P = 0.001), temporal white matter (R = -0.297, P < 0.001), and cerebellum (R = -0.328, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with BA tortuosity degree. No significant correlation was found between the BA tortuosity degree and CBF in hippocampus (R = -0.208, P = 0.014), thalamus (R = -0.001, P = 0.988) and brainstem (R = -0.204, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS BA tortuosity could affect posterior circulation blood perfusion. CBF was negatively correlated with BA tortuosity degree. The morphology of BA may serve as a biomarker for posterior circulation and the severity of posterior circulation ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Yu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of CT, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Seventh People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Weizhao Lu
- School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Jianfeng Qiu
- School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China.
| | - Jinglei Li
- Department of Radiology, Taian Disabled Soldiers' Hospital of Shandong Province, Tai'an, China.
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Qu M, Liu P, Tao T, Chen Y, Mao L, He X. Association between vertebrobasilar artery geometry and vertebrobasilar stenosis, recurrence, and death in posterior circulation stroke and transient ischemic attack. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107306. [PMID: 37598548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracranial atherosclerosis is one of the primary causes of posterior circulation stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), particularly in people of South and East Asian heritage. Focal vessel geometry may play a role in atherosclerosis progression. Thus, we investigated the relevance of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) geometry and vertebrobasilar atherosclerotic stenosis, recurrence, and death in posterior circulation stroke and TIA. METHODS Four hundred and twenty patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke or TIA were included. The VBA geometric features, comprising the geometric configurations (Tuning fork, Walking, Lambda, and No confluence), vascular bends (multi-bending and oligo-bending), and VBA stenosis degrees, were defined based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. Recurrence of stroke or TIA and death were assessed through a 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the relationship between VBA geometric features, VBA stenosis, and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS Walking type and vascular multi-bending showed significant associations with more severe VBA stenosis and distribution, and these were also more frequently observed in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke (all P < 0.05). Sixty-four patients exhibited recurrent stroke or TIA, and 31 died during the 1-year follow-up. In the binary logistic regression analysis, Walking type (P = 0.018), Lambda type (P = 0.021), and multi-bending type (P = 0.004) were found to be independently associated with stroke recurrence, while No confluence type was independently associated with death (P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS The geometric characteristics of the VBA are associated with vertebrobasilar stenosis, LAA stroke, 1-year recurrence, and death in posterior circulation stroke and TIA. VBA geometry may be used to stratify the risk of stroke and TIA in the posterior circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Qu
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou Univerisity, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou Univerisity, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Taotao Tao
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou Univerisity, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou Univerisity, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Lingqun Mao
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou Univerisity, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Xinwei He
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou Univerisity, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China.
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Ren L, Xu R, Zhao C, Li W, Wang S, Cao C, Gong Y, Zhu J, Feng X, Ren B, Xia S. Tortuosity and Proximal-Specific Hemodynamics Associated with Plaque Location in the Carotid Bulb Stenosis. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:160-171. [PMID: 37499638 DOI: 10.1159/000531584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaque locations in the carotid bulb increasingly have been found to be associated with patterns of ischemic lesions and plaque progression. However, the occurrence of carotid bulb plaque is a complex process. We aimed to investigate plaque characteristics and geometric and hemodynamic parameters among patients with body and apical plaques of the carotid bulb and to identify the mechanism of bulb plaque formation and location. METHODS Consecutive patients with single carotid bulb stenosis (50-99%) were enrolled retrospectively. Patients were divided into body and apical plaque groups based on plaque location. Plaque location and characteristics were identified and measured on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Geometric parameters were derived from time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to quantify wall shear stress (WSS) and four associated WSS-based metrics on the plaque side, on the non-plaque side, and in different parts of the lesion. Plaque characteristics and geometric and hemodynamic parameters were compared, and their associations with the plaque location were determined. RESULTS Seventy patients were recruited (41 body plaques and 29 apical plaques). WSSplaque values were lower than WSSnon-plaque values for all plaques (median [interquartile range], 12.59 [9.83-22.14] vs. 17.27 [11.63-27.63] Pa, p = 0.001). In a multivariate binary logistic regression, the tortuosity of the stenosed region, the magnitudes of the mean relative residence time, and the minimum transverse WSS in the proximal part of the lesion were the key factors independently associated with plaque location (p = 0.022, 0.013, and 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Plaque formation was associated with the local flow pattern, and the tortuosity and proximal-specific hemodynamics were significantly associated with plaque location in the carotid bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ren
- Department of Radiology, First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Radiology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongjie Xu
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxi Zhao
- Department of Radiology, First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenfei Li
- Department of Radiology, First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Radiology, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin University Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinxia Zhu
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xuequan Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Ren
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Xia
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Liu Y, Jiang G, Wang X, An X, Wang F. The relationship between geometry and hemodynamics of the stenotic carotid artery based on computational fluid dynamics. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 231:107860. [PMID: 37390570 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to investigate the relationship between the geometric factors and the hemodynamics of the stenotic carotid artery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with carotid stenosis (40%-95%). The Navier-Stokes equations were solved using ANSYS CFX 18.0. Correlation analysis was based on Spearman's test. Geometric variables (p < 0.1 in the univariate analysis) were entered into the logistical regression. A receiver-operating characteristics analysis was used to detect hemodynamically significant lesions. RESULTS 81 patients (96 arteries) were evaluated. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the translesional pressure ratio was significantly correlated with the stenosis degree (OR = 1.147, p < 0.001) and the angle between internal carotid artery and external carotid artery (angle γ) (OR = 0.933, p = 0.01). The translesional wall shear stress ratio was significantly correlated with stenosis degree (OR = 1.094, p < 0.001), lesion length (OR = 0.873, p = 0.01), lumen area of internal carotid artery (OR = 0.867, p = 0.002), and lumen area of common carotid artery (OR = 1.058, p = 0.01). For predicting low translesional pressure ratio, the AUC was 0.71 (p < 0.001) for angle γ, and was 0.87 (p < 0.001) for stenosis degree. For predicting high translesional wall shear stress ratio, the AUC was 0.62 (p = 0.04) for lumen area of internal carotid artery, and was 0.77 (p < 0.001) for stenosis degree. CONCLUSIONS Apart from stenosis degree, other geometric characteristics of lesions may also have an influence on hemodynamics of the stenotic carotid artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Liu
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guinan Jiang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiangbo An
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Strecker C, Kopczak A, Saam T, Sepp D, Hennemuth A, Mayerhofer E, Poli S, Ziemann U, Poppert H, Schindler A, Harloff A. Carotid geometry is independently associated with complicated carotid artery plaques. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1177998. [PMID: 37378412 PMCID: PMC10291134 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1177998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Complicated carotid artery plaques (cCAPs) are associated with an increased risk of rupture and subsequent stroke. The geometry of the carotid bifurcation determines the distribution of local hemodynamics and could thus contribute to the development and composition of these plaques. Therefore, we studied the role of carotid bifurcation geometry in the presence of cCAPs. Methods We investigated the association of individual vessel geometry with carotid artery plaque types in the Carotid Plaque Imaging in Acute Stroke (CAPIAS) study. After excluding arteries without plaque or with insufficient MRI quality, 354 carotid arteries from 182 patients were analyzed. Individual parameters of carotid geometry [i.e., internal carotid artery (ICA)/common carotid artery (CCA) ratio, bifurcation angle, and tortuosity) were derived from time-of-flight MR images. The lesion types of carotid artery plaques were determined according to the American Heart Association classification of lesions by multi-contrast 3T-MRI. The association between carotid geometry and a cCAP was studied using logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, wall area, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results Low ICA/CCA ratios (OR per SD increase 0.60 [95%CI: 0.42-0.85]; p = 0.004) and low bifurcation angles (OR 0.61 [95%CI: 0.42-0.90]; p = 0.012) were significantly associated with the presence of cCAPs after adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and wall area. Tortuosity had no significant association with cCAPs. Only ICA/CCA ratio remained significant in a model containing all three geometric parameters (OR per SD increase 0.65 [95%CI: 0.45-0.94]; p = 0.023). Conclusions A steep tapering of the ICA relative to the CCA and, to a lesser extent, a low angle of the carotid bifurcation were associated with the presence of cCAPs. Our findings highlight the contribution of bifurcation geometry to plaque vulnerability. Thus, assessment of carotid geometry could be helpful in identifying patients at risk of cCAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Kopczak
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Sepp
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Hennemuth
- Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modelling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ernst Mayerhofer
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Poppert
- Department of Neurology, Helios Klinikum München West, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schindler
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Khasiyev F, Rundek T, Di Tullio MR, Wright CB, Sacco RL, Elkind MSV, Gutierrez J. Systemic Arterial Correlates of Cervical Carotid Artery Tortuosity : The Northern Manhattan Study. Clin Neuroradiol 2022; 32:435-443. [PMID: 34132845 PMCID: PMC8720277 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-021-01044-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The association between cervical internal carotid artery (cICA) tortuosity and atherosclerosis is a matter of debate. Additionally, some genetic syndromes characterized by connective tissue remodeling are associated with arterial tortuosity, raising the possibility that cICA tortuosity may not only be atherosclerotic. In this study, we hypothesized that cICA tortuosity is not associated with imaging biomarkers of atherosclerosis. METHODS The Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) was a prospective, multiethnic cohort of stroke-free individuals who underwent brain MRA, carotid ultrasound and transthoracic echocardiogram from 2003-2008. The cICA tortuosity was scored in each carotid as 0 = no tortuosity, 1 = tortuosity <90°, 2 = tortuosity ≥90°. A summary cICA tortuosity score (possible range 0-4) was created by adding up the tortuosity score from each carotid. Participants were assessed for atherosclerotic markers by using B‑mode carotid sonography and transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS Of 558 participants 178 (31.9%) had any cervical ICA tortuosity (tortuosity score >0). The cICA tortuosity score was higher in women and was associated with diastolic and systolic blood pressures and height (all P < 0.05). In models adjusted for demographics and risk factors, only the association with diastolic blood pressure remained significant (β = 0.002, P = 0.02). Similarly, cICA tortuosity was associated with larger aortic root diameter (B = 1.03 ± 0.36, P = 0.004) but not with other markers of carotid or aortic atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION Cervical ICA tortuosity is associated with a higher diastolic blood pressure and larger aortic root diameter but not with other measures of atherosclerosis. Determining the risks of vascular events associated with this non-atherosclerotic phenotype may help for a better risk stratification for individuals with cICA tortuosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Khasiyev
- Department of Neurology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Tatjana Rundek
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Clinton B Wright
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ralph L Sacco
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Jose Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Liu YT, Zhang ZMY, Li ML, Gao S, Feng F, Xu WH. Association of carotid artery geometries with middle cerebral artery atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2022; 352:27-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wall Shear Stress Alteration: a Local Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:143-151. [PMID: 35080718 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-00993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Wall shear stress describes the mechanical influence of blood flow on the arterial wall. In this review, we discuss the role of the wall shear stress in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. RECENT FINDINGS Areas with chronically low, oscillating wall shear stress are most prone to plaque development and include outer bifurcation walls and inner walls of arches. In some diseases, patients have lower wall shear stress even in straight arterial segments; also, these findings were associated with atherosclerosis. High wall shear stress develops in the distal part (shoulder) of a stenosis and contributes to plaque destabilization. Wall shear stress changes are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. They are not fully understood yet and act in concert with tangential wall stress.
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11
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Fukuda S, Shimogonya Y, Yonemoto N, Fukuda M, Watanabe A, Fujiwara K, Enomoto R, Hasegawa K, Yasoda A, Tsukahara T. Hemodynamic risk factors for the development of carotid stenosis in patients with unilateral carotid stenosis. World Neurosurg 2022; 160:e353-e371. [PMID: 35026460 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is difficult to predict the development of carotid stenosis by means of the known risk factors. Using a computational fluid dynamics analysis, we examined the hemodynamic risks for carotid stenosis, focusing on wall shear stress (WSS) disturbances. METHODS In 59 cases of unilateral carotid stenosis, the plaque was removed from the original three-dimensional computed tomography angiographic images, and the vessel shape before stenosis was artificially reproduced. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the associations between the degree of area stenosis and hemodynamic and morphological factors after adjustment for six known risk factors. RESULTS Metrics for WSS disturbances were higher at and distal to a bifurcation in the carotid arteries after plaque removal compared with the normal carotid arteries, and metrics for WSS magnitudes were lower. In the plaque-removed arteries, the degree of stenosis was significantly negatively correlated with the ratio of stenotic to distal values of metrics for WSS disturbances and the diameter ratio of the external to common carotid artery, and positively correlated with the ratio of proximal to stenotic values of metrics for WSS magnitudes. CONCLUSIONS Rapid increases in WSS from the common carotid artery toward the bifurcation, rapid decreases in WSS disturbance from the bifurcation toward the internal carotid artery, and lower diameter ratio of the external to common carotid artery are more likely than other risk factors to cause future severe stenosis. In patients with these hemodynamic risks, underlying diseases should be controlled more strictly with imaging examinations at shorter intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naohiro Yonemoto
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Riku Enomoto
- College of Engineering, Nihon University, Koriyama, Japan
| | | | - Akihiro Yasoda
- Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center
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Guo XJ, Wu M, Pei SF, Xie P, Wu MY. Influence of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Levels at Bifurcation on Short-Term Functional Outcomes Among Non-Cardiogenic Ischemic Stroke Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2022; 15:897-906. [PMID: 35356702 PMCID: PMC8958197 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s351679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The intima-media thickness (IMT) is broadly reported to have relationships with non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke and with diabetes. But how does IMT affect the short-term prognosis of stroke seems unknown yet. We investigated the influence of the intima-media thickness at carotid bifurcation (IMTbif) on short-term functional outcomes among non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 314 patients with non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke (122 with T2DM and 192 without diabetes) were included in this retrospective study. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2 at 3 months after stroke onset. Group comparisons were done in favorable and poor outcome groups. Linear regression analysis was utilized to verify the associations between IMTbif and mRS in subgroups with and without diabetes, respectively. RESULTS The median IMTbif of total patients was 1.40mm. Patients with poor outcomes were significantly older, had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, lower haemoglobin, higher fasting glucose and higher systolic blood pressure values. Their IMTbif levels were also markedly higher. Among 122 included stroke patients with T2DM, IMTbif levels and NIHSS were independently associated with functional outcomes at 3 months, whereas there was no significant association between IMTbif levels and short-term functional outcomes among patients without diabetes. CONCLUSION The IMTbif levels were significantly associated with 3-month functional outcomes in non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke patients with T2DM. The ultrasound detection of the IMTbif therefore suggests a prognostic value among patients with stroke and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mian Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shao-Fang Pei
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min-Ya Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Min-Ya Wu, Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15151429862, Email
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Strecker C, Krafft AJ, Kaufhold L, Hüllebrandt M, Treppner M, Ludwig U, Köber G, Hennemuth A, Hennig J, Harloff A. Carotid Geometry and Wall Shear Stress Independently Predict Increased Wall Thickness-A Longitudinal 3D MRI Study in High-Risk Patients. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:723860. [PMID: 34765650 PMCID: PMC8576112 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.723860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Carotid geometry and wall shear stress (WSS) have been proposed as independent risk factors for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis, but this has not yet been demonstrated in larger longitudinal studies. Therefore, we investigated the impact of these biomarkers on carotid wall thickness in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Methods: Ninety-seven consecutive patients with hypertension, at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor and internal carotid artery (ICA) plaques (wall thickness ≥ 1.5 mm and degree of stenosis ≤ 50%) were prospectively included. They underwent high-resolution 3D multi-contrast and 4D flow MRI at 3 Tesla both at baseline and follow-up. Geometry (ICA/common carotid artery (CCA)-diameter ratio, bifurcation angle, tortuosity and wall thickness) and hemodynamics [WSS, oscillatory shear index (OSI)] of both carotid bifurcations were measured at baseline. Their predictive value for changes of wall thickness 12 months later was calculated using linear regression analysis for the entire study cohort (group 1, 97 patients) and after excluding patients with ICA stenosis ≥10% to rule out relevant inward remodeling (group 2, 61 patients). Results: In group 1, only tortuosity at baseline was independently associated with carotid wall thickness at follow-up (regression coefficient = −0.52, p < 0.001). However, after excluding patients with ICA stenosis ≥10% in group 2, both ICA/CCA-ratio (0.49, p < 0.001), bifurcation angle (0.04, p = 0.001), tortuosity (−0.30, p = 0.040), and WSS (−0.03, p = 0.010) at baseline were independently associated with changes of carotid wall thickness at follow-up. Conclusions: A large ICA bulb and bifurcation angle and low WSS seem to be independent risk factors for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in the absence of ICA stenosis. By contrast, a high carotid tortuosity seems to be protective both in patients without and with ICA stenosis. These biomarkers may be helpful for the identification of patients who are at particular risk of wall thickness progression and who may benefit from intensified monitoring and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Axel Joachim Krafft
- Department of Radiology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lilli Kaufhold
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modeling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Hüllebrandt
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modeling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Treppner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ute Ludwig
- Department of Radiology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Göran Köber
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Hennemuth
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modeling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hennig
- Department of Radiology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Deng S, Zheng J, Wu Y, Yang D, Chen H, Sun B, Xue Y, Zhao X. Geometrical characteristics associated with atherosclerotic disease in the basilar artery: a magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2711-2720. [PMID: 34079735 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Vascular geometry may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the geometrical characteristics of basilar artery (BA) and the presence, burden, and distribution of BA plaques using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging. Methods Patients with cerebrovascular symptoms in the posterior circulation were recruited and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The BA's geometrical characteristics, including actual length, straightened length, tortuosity, lateral basilar artery-vertebral artery (VA) angle, lateral mid-BA angle, and BA convexity, were measured. The presence of plaques, stenosis, and plaque burden, including mean and maximal wall thickness, were evaluated. The BA's cross-sectional vessel wall was divided into 4 quadrants: dorsal, ventral, right, and left quadrant. The distribution of BA plaques was analyzed. Results Of 344 recruited patients (mean age: 68.1±11.1 years; 200 males), 100 (29.1%) had BA plaques. Patients with BA plaques had higher tortuosity of the BA (13.6±9.0 vs. 9.7±7.7, P<0.001) compared to those without BA plaques. Multivariate regression analysis showed that tortuosity of the BA was associated with the presence of BA plaques (OR, 1.641; 95% CI, 1.232 to 2.186; P=0.001) and mean wall thickness (β, 0.045; 95% CI, 0.008 to 0.081; P=0.017). The plaque distribution in the left wall and right wall of BA was more frequent in patients with right (P=0.006) and left (P<0.001) convex BA, respectively. Conclusions The BA's geometrical characteristics, particularly tortuosity and convexity, are independently associated with the presence, burden, and distribution of plaques in the BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Deng
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinmei Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Wu
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huajun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Güner A, Çelik Ö, Topel Ç, Arif Yalçın A, Kalçık M, Uzun F, Altunova M, Örten M, Akman C, Güner EG, Ertürk M. The effect of complex vascular anatomy on silent new ischemic cerebral lesions in carotid artery stenting procedures (from the COMPLEX-CAS Trial). Vascular 2021; 30:292-300. [PMID: 33896290 DOI: 10.1177/17085381211010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive, durable alternative treatment option, which is an alternative to the reference method, carotid endarterectomy, for patients with carotid artery stenosis; however, silent new ischemic cerebral lesions (SNICLs) after carotid artery stenting remain as a matter of concern. Hence, we aimed to assess the effect of complex vascular anatomy on silent new ischemic cerebral lesions in carotid artery stenting procedures. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 122 patients (mean age: 69.5 ± 7.1 years, male:83) who underwent carotid artery stenting for carotid artery revascularization. The patients having symptomatic transient ischemic attack or stroke after carotid artery stenting were excluded. The presence of a new hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging without any neurological findings was considered as the SNICL. Patients were classified into two groups as DWI-positive and DWI-negative patients. RESULTS Among the study population, 32 patients (26.2%) had SNICLs. The DWI-positive group had a significantly higher common carotid artery (CCA)-internal carotid artery (ICA) angle, older age, more frequent history of stroke, a higher proportion of type III aortic arch, and longer fluoroscopy time than the DWI-negative group. High CCA-ICA angle was identified as one of the independent predictors of SNICL (OR (odds ratio) = 1.103 95%CI (confidence interval): (1.023-1.596); p = 0.034), and CCA-ICA angle higher than 34.5 degrees predicted SNICL with a sensitivity of 62.5% and a specificity of 62.2% (area under the curve: 0.680; 95% CI: 0.570 to 0.789; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The higher CCA-ICA angle may predict pre-procedure SNICL risk in carotid artery stenting and may have clinical value in the management of patients with carotid artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Güner
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Çelik
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Çağdaş Topel
- Department of Radiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Arif Yalçın
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Macit Kalçık
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Çorum, Turkey
| | - Fatih Uzun
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Altunova
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Örten
- Department of Neurology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemalettin Akman
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Gültekin Güner
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ertürk
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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