A1 asynchrony, a potential risk factor for the rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysms: A computational fluid dynamics study

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: The anterior communicating complex is one the most common locations for aneurysm development. It receives blood from both carotid circulations and the effect of synchrony on the arrival of blood flow has not been previously studied. The objective of this study was to compare the asynchrony conditions of the A1 pulse and its effects on the haemodynamic conditions of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms.

Materials and methods: From 2008 to 2017, 54 anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated at our centre were included in the study. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques were employed and simulations consisted of complete conditions of synchrony and introducing a delay of 0.2s in the non-dominant A1 artery. Time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), low shear area (LSA), A1 diameter and ACoA angles were measured.

Results: The difference in the LSA in conditions of synchrony and asynchrony resulted in a broad range of positive and negative values. The symmetry index (p=0.04) and A1/A2 angle on the dominant artery (p=0.04) were associated with changes in LSA.

Conclusions: In asynchrony, LSA increased in the absence of A1 asymmetry and low A1/A2 angles, potentially increasing the risk of aneurysm rupture in this location.

Keywords: Aneurisma cerebral; Aneurisma de la arteria comunicante anterior; Anterior communicating artery aneurysm; Asincronía; Asynchrony; Brain aneurysm; Computational fluid dynamics; Dinámica de fluidos computacional; Hemorragia subaracnoidea; Subarachnoid haemorrhage.