3D MRI for a comprehensive in-vivo analysis of fluid-structure interaction in carotid artery plaques

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Andreas Harloff; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Anja Hennemuth; Professor Dr. Jürgen Hennig
• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 298934133

Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis is one major source of ischemic stroke. Current routine strategies focus on the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, platelet inhibition and vessel recanalization in stenosis >40% NASCET criteria. However, additional factors that predispose to plaque rupture (i.e. plaque composition and local hemodynamics), are currently neglected. In an attempt to optimize individual risk stratification and stroke prevention we aim to determine hemodynamic factors that independently lead to plaque development, progression and finally rupture. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of plaques and hemodynamics is planned in high-risk patients in order to study fluid-structure interaction over a three-year period. This will be achieved by establishing a new MRI protocol providing 3D high-resolution multi-contrast plaque imaging, analysis of local hemodynamics based on 4D flow MRI and the generation of personalized models of vessel wall structure and hemodynamics based on this data. We hypothesize that critical wall shear stress (WSS) is responsible for initial atherosclerosis and plaque development whereas mechanical stress and individual plaque composition determine plaque rupture at later stages. Accordingly, these risk factors would provide a completely new approach for the treatment of carotid stenosis and thus prevention of future ischemic stroke.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants