[The Analysis of the Thickness of a Cerebral Aneurysm:Can Predict the Translucent-type of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Preoperatively?]

OBJECT: The rupture risk of cerebral aneurysms is determined by various factors. However, it is not clear whether the thickness of the aneurysm wall also influences the rupture risk. In this study, under the assumption that thin-walled aneurysms have a higher rupture risk compared with thick-wall aneurysms, we evaluate the usefulness of computed fluid dynamics(CFD)to identify thin-walled cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: Fifty-four unruptured middle cerebral aneurysms from 53 patients were analyzed using CFD before the operation. We divided these aneurysms into two groups: translucent-type aneurysms and others. To analyze the difference of these groups, individual elements(age, gender, volume, and aspect ratio)and hemodynamic factors(wall shear stress[WSS], flow coefficient, and flow coefficient per volume)were examined using CFD. RESULTS: Univariate analysis detected significant relationships between the translucent-type aneurysms and gender, aspect ratio, WSS and flow coefficient per volume. Multiple logistics regression also identified a significant relationship with gender and flow coefficient per volume. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the flow coefficient per volume could predict translucent-type aneurysms(area under the curve 0.84, cut-off value 1.32, sensitivity 76.2%, and specificity 87.9%). CONCLUSION: Gender and the flow coefficient per volume could predict translucent-type aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery. CFD analysis might be a useful tool to predict translucent-type aneurysms.