Hemodynamic analysis of intracranial aneurysms with atherosclerosis

Abstract

Intracranial aneurysms can have atherosclerotic wall properties that may be important in predicting aneurysm history. This study aimed to investigate hemodynamic characteristics of atherosclerotic legions in intracranial aneurysms. We conducted computational fluid dynamic analyses of 30 aneurysms using patient-derived geometries and inlet flow rates. Among 30 aneurysms, seven atherosclerotic lesions with remarkable yellow lipid deposition were identified in five aneurysms. All seven atherosclerotic lesions were spatially agreed with the area exposed to stagnant blood flow. Univariate analysis revealed that male (P = 0.031), cigarette smoking (P = 0.047) and the exposure to stagnant blood flow (P = 0.024) are significantly related to atherosclerotic lesion formation on the aneurysmal wall. Of those variables that influenced atherogenesis, the variable male (P = 0.0046) and the exposure to stagnant flow (P = 0.0037) remained significant in the multivariate regression model. In conclusion, male sex and stagnant blood flow inside aneurysms were independent risk factors for atherosclerosis in intracranial aneurysms.