Arterial Pulsatility Index Values for Prediction of Aneurysm

Blood flow is pulsatile and and the pulsatility is essential to maintain vessel wall function. Pulsatility Index is measures of vascular resistance. Phase contrast technique is used to determine blood flow quantification in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular pathologies. In this research, using blood flow velocity values obtained phase contrast technique over the one cardiac cycle from 4 control subjects and 4 cerebral aneurysm patiens, Pulsatility Index value was calculated for internal carotid and vertebral arteries that supporting the brain. Aneurysms were unilateral and unruptured. Pulsatile Index of arteries for right and left side of the brain were significantly different for aneurysm group. However right and left arterial Pulsatility Index values were close to each other in control group. Internal carotid artery Pulsatility Index of occured aneurysm side was higher than contratory side, however vertebral artery Pulsatility Index of occured aneurysm side was smaller as compared to contratory side. The difference of right and left arterial Pulsatility Index values implies that there is an asymmetry in flow velocity of aneurysm group. Assuming that aneurysms are unilateral, right and left arterial Pulsatility difference can be used for prediction of aneurysm.