The role of geometric parameters in the prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysm wall stress.
OBJECTIVE
To study the correlation between peak wall stress (PWS) and abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) geometric parameters in the presence of intraluminal thrombus (ILT).


METHODS
Computational study using finite element analysis.


METHODS
AAA models were created by three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of in vivo acquired computed tomography (CT) images from 19 patients.


METHODS
PWS was evaluated in the presence and absence of ILT. DeltaPWS% represents the percentage change in PWS in the presence of ILT. The 3D lumen centrelines were extracted, and the values of torsion, tortuosity and mean curvature were estimated.


RESULTS
A positive correlation was observed between DeltaPWS% and relative ILT volume (P=0.03). PWS in the presence of ILT significantly correlated only with the degree of centerline tortuosity (P=0.003) and maximum diameter (P<0.0001). The optimal predictive model for PWS in the presence of ILT was estimated to contain both maximum diameter and centreline tortuosity.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific geometric parameters in AAA models in the presence of ILT could serve as potential predictors of elevated PWS. PWS correlated significantly with the maximum diameter and the degree of centreline tortuosity. Centreline tortuosity may become a useful addition to maximum diameter in the decision-making process of AAA treatment.
Georgakarakos
E
E
Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece.
Ioannou
C V
CV
Kamarianakis
Y
Y
Papaharilaou
Y
Y
Kostas
T
T
Manousaki
E
E
Katsamouris
A N
AN
D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D018450:Disease Progression; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed