Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Reduced shear stress and disturbed flow may lead to coronary aneurysm and thrombus formations

Takashi Ohkubo1, Ryuji Fukazawa, Ei Ikegami

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Sendagi, Tokyo, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|January 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Reduced shear stress and disturbed blood flow patterns in coronary arteries may cause Kawasaki disease complications like aneurysms and thrombus. This study investigated these factors in children with Kawasaki disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease poses a risk of acute myocardial infarction due to coronary artery aneurysms and thrombus.
  • Understanding the mechanisms behind these complications is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that reduced shear stress at coronary branching sites and within aneurysms promotes aneurysm and thrombus formation.
  • To investigate the relationship between shear stress, flow patterns, and thrombus presence in children with Kawasaki disease.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 111 children with Kawasaki disease and left coronary artery aneurysms, categorized by aneurysm size.
  • Measured averaged peak flow velocity (APV), flow patterns, and shear stress using flow wire and coronary angiography.
  • Detected thrombus presence and appearance using intravascular ultrasonography.

Main Results:

  • 90.3% of coronary artery aneurysms were located at major left coronary branching sites.
  • Significantly decreased APV and shear stress were observed in giant coronary artery aneurysms and at left coronary artery branching sites.
  • Thrombi were predominantly found in giant aneurysms, associated with disturbed flow patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced shear stress and disturbed flow patterns are implicated as potential causes of coronary artery aneurysm and thrombus formation in Kawasaki disease.
  • These findings highlight the importance of hemodynamic factors in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease vascular complications.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Implantation of a Carotid Cuff for Triggering Shear-stress Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice07:51

Implantation of a Carotid Cuff for Triggering Shear-stress Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice

Published on: January 13, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...