Elastične značilnosti arterij in možganskožilne bolezni
Elastic properties of arteries and cerebrovascular diseases

slovenian

2011

volume 50, issue 2

Cerebrovascular Disorders   Arteries    Physiopathology    Ultrasonography    Elasticity    Blood Flow Velocity

Društvo Medicinski razgledi
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Over the past few years, several studies have showu that elastic properties ofarteries independently correlate with the risk of various cardiovascular andcerebrovascular conditions. Furthermore, increased stiffness of the arterial tree appears to be an independent risk factor for atherosc1erosis, end-stage renal disease, and aortic and carotid dissection. It has also been associated with increased mortality rate in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Due to its nonlinear elastic properties, the vascular tree has the ability to buffer pulsatile flow and thereby ensure constant tissue perfusion.The physiological function of the arterial tree is supported by the special organization of the arterial wall consisting of smooth musc1e cells with collagen and elastin fibres. Due to special cell signalling which takes place during inflammation and the effect of other stimuli, remodelling of extracellular matrix oceurs. Subsequently, hypertrophy of collagen fibres and activation of metalloproteases occur and they eventually lead to the stiffening of elastic arteries. Using Doppler echography and other methods, itis possible to measure several stiffness indices, such as: pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, arterial compliance, beta index and elastic module, all of which have proved to be of predictive value for ischemic cerebral stroke. Increased stiffness of the carotid arteri es is an important risk factor and a possible cause of ischemic events, which can be shown on brain MRI as white matter hyperintensities or leukoaraiosis.

19.06.2015