[Feasibility analysis of CT angiography derived computational fluid dynamics in evaluating intracranial artery

Z H Yin1, C S Zhou1, J Guo2

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Clinical Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/PLA General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing 210002, China.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi
|September 4, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Noninvasive hemodynamic analysis using CT angiography (CTA) can accurately assess intracranial artery stenosis significance. This method offers a viable alternative to invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Intracranial artery stenosis poses a significant risk for stroke.
  • Accurate assessment of stenosis severity is crucial for treatment decisions.
  • Invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the gold standard but carries risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of noninvasive hemodynamic analysis using CT angiography (CTA) for assessing intracranial artery stenosis.
  • To compare CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) with invasive FFR measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 8 patients with intracranial artery stenosis.
  • 3D intracranial artery models were created from CTA data.
  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were used to calculate hemodynamic parameters and CT-FFR.
  • Comparison with invasive FFR measurements.

Main Results:

  • CT-FFR values (0.59±0.18) closely correlated with invasive FFR values (0.60±0.22).
  • Noninvasive hemodynamic analysis demonstrated high feasibility.

Conclusions:

  • Noninvasive hemodynamic analysis based on CTA is a promising tool for evaluating the physiological significance of intracranial arterial stenosis.
  • This approach may reduce the need for invasive procedures.