Association of hemodynamic characteristics and cerebral aneurysm rupture

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemodynamic factors are thought to play an important role in the initiation, growth, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. This report describes a study of the associations between qualitative intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics and the rupture of cerebral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred ten consecutive aneurysms were analyzed by using patient-specific CFD simulations under pulsatile flow conditions. The aneurysms were classified into categories by 2 blinded observers, depending on the complexity and stability of the flow pattern, size of the impingement region, and inflow concentration. A statistical analysis was then performed with respect to the history of previous rupture. Interobserver variability analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ruptured aneurysms were more likely to have complex flow patterns (83%, P < .001), stable flow patterns (75%, P = .0018), concentrated inflow (66%, P =