Stresses in Carotid Plaques using MRI-based Fluid-structure Interaction Models
S. A. Kock1, J. V. Nygaard2, A. K. Niemann1, A. Klærke3, W. Paaske3, E. Falk4, and W. Yong Kim1,4
1MR-Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
2Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Skejby, Denmark
3Dept. of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
4Dept. of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
Incorporating information on plaque composition obtained noninvasively through the use of magnetic resonance imaging could include morphology into carotid plaque risk assessment. Mechanic stresses exerted on the protective fibrous cap may prove of additional value in the assessment of plaque vulnerability.
To evaluate if stresses conferred added information, a series of models were created using the same degree of stenosis, plaque shape, size of lipid core, and thickness of fibrous cap with varying placement of the lipid core.
The maximal stresses generated thereby differed significantly, ranging from 32.3 kPa to 167.5 kPa. Determination of fibrous cap stresses may therefore prove useful in assessing plaque vulnerability and improve risk stratification in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
