Anatomical location related hemodynamic variations are associated with MCA atherosclerosis: a preliminary 4D flow and 3D vessel wall MRI study

Motivation: The relationships between flow alterations due to plaque existence and number in different intracranial arterial segments have not been fully understood. Goal(s): This study aims to investigate WSS and OSI alterations between nonplaque and atherosclerotic MCA segments and explore the potential hemodynamic discrepancy between multiple- and single-plaque existence. Approach: TAWSS and OSI were measured at five cross-sectional slices (initial, upstream, minimal lumen area, downstream, and terminal) of plaque as well as segments. Results: TAWSS and OSI distributed variedly between nonplaque and atherosclerotic MCA segments, and between single- and multiple-plaque presence. Impact: Arterial segment, plaque number and plaque characteristics may have a significant interplay with the local hemodynamic environment, which could provide insight for atherosclerotic development.