Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Analysis of Cerebral Vasospasm in a Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with High Frequency Transcranial Duplex Ultrasound
Published on: June 3, 2021
MR derived volumetric flow rate waveforms at locations within the common carotid, internal carotid, and basilar
Matthew N Gwilliam1, Nigel Hoggard, David Capener
1Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
Insights
This study defines normal cerebral blood flow waveforms in the carotid and basilar arteries. Understanding these volumetric flow rate (VFR) patterns aids in diagnosing cerebrovascular conditions like stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cerebrovascular function studies rely on volumetric flow rate (VFR) waveforms.
- Existing literature on cerebral blood flow waveform characteristics is limited.
- Understanding VFR variations is crucial for identifying risks of stroke, arteriovenous malformations, and aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the VFR waveform over the cardiac cycle in the carotid and basilar arteries of a healthy cohort.
- To establish archetypal VFR waveforms at specific locations within these arteries.
- To provide a method for estimating an individual's VFR waveform based on group data.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D QPC-MRI) was used.
- 22 healthy subjects (aged 20-40 years) were scanned.
- Measurements were taken at nine anatomical locations within the carotid and basilar arteries.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in blood flow pulsatility were observed within the carotid artery tree.
- Archetypal VFR waveforms were successfully established for the nine measured locations.
- A method was developed to estimate individual VFR waveforms by scaling group archetypes with individual average flow rates.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a foundational characterization of normal cerebral blood flow waveforms.
- The established archetypal waveforms and estimation method can serve as a reference for clinical and research applications.
- Improved understanding of normal VFR dynamics can enhance the diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular diseases.
Abstract:
The volumetric flow rate (VFR) waveform over the cardiac cycle in the cerebral vasculature is a significant factor in many studies, which involve cerebrovascular function. Perhaps contrary to expectation, the literature in this area is sparse and the characteristics of blood flow waveforms are ill defined. A better understanding of the variation of blood flow rate and pulsatility may aid our knowledge of risk factors involved in diseases and conditions, such as stroke, arteriovenous malformation, or aneurysm rupture. This study sought to characterise the blood flow waveform over the cardiac cycle at levels within the carotid artery and basilar artery (BA) in a normal cohort. The study cohort consisted of 22 subjects (recruitment age: 20 to 40 years) with no history of vascular disease (median age=26 years, interquartile range=25 to 32 years). Two-dimensional quantitative phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging was performed on each subject at nine anatomic locations within the carotid artery and BA. Significant differences in pulsatility were present within the carotid tree. Archetypal VFR waveforms were established for this group at the nine locations. A normal individual's VFR waveform at a location within the carotid tree can be estimated by taking the group's archetypal waveform for that location, and scaling by the individual's average flow rate.
