Open AccessBlood flow reversal from the external into the internal carotid artery—New insights into the hemodynamics at the carotid bifurcation
Author(s) -
Meyer Patrick,
Pelz Johann Otto
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.1139
Subject(s) - blood flow , medicine , hemodynamics , cardiology , internal carotid artery , bifurcation , common carotid artery , carotid bifurcation , external carotid artery , carotid arteries , physics , nonlinear system , quantum mechanics
Background Complex blood flow patterns are a well‐known phenomenon at the carotid bifurcation. However, unlike for the descending aorta, a blood flow reversal has not been detected at the carotid bifurcation, so far. Methods In 17 subjects, flow patterns with focus on blood flow reversal were examined at the carotid bifurcation with vector flow imaging. Results We found a blood flow reversal from the external carotid artery (ECA) into the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 13 of 25 (52%) carotid bifurcations. The blood flow reversal ranged 5.3 ± 1.7 mm (range 2.6–8.3 mm) distally to the beginning of the ECA and lasted 105 ± 59 ms (range 32–225 ms). The mean peak systolic velocity within the blood flow reversal was 12.5 ± 4.6 cm/s (range 5–18 cm/s). Conclusion A blood flow reversal from the ECA into the ICA during the systole is a frequent finding at the carotid bifurcation. Considering ischemic stroke, retrograde embolism from plaques in the proximal ECA into the ICA might play a role.