Michael Markl1, Stephanie Brendecke2,
Jan Simon1, Alex Frydrychowicz3, Andreas Harloff2
1Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Physics,
University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 2Neurology, University
Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 3Radiology, University of Wisconsin,
Madison, United States
Flow-sensitive
4D-MRI (3D morphology and 3-directional blood flow) and segmental wall shear
stress analysis were employed in 94 patients with aortic atherosclerosis. A
one-to-one comparison of wall parameter distribution with plaque location was
performed in a large number of complex aortic plaques. Critical wall
parameters such as low wall shear stress and high oscillatory shear index
were concentrated at the inner curvature of the aorta and near the outlet of
the supra-aortic arteries. For most complex plaques a consistent location of
critical wall parameters in wall segments adjacent to the atheroma suggested
a close correlation of hemodynamics and advanced atherosclerosis.