Author/Editor		Omersa, Daniel; Zaletel, Marjan
Title		Elastične značilnosti arterij in možganskožilne bolezni
Translated title		Elastic properties of arteries and cerebrovascular diseases
Type		članek
Source		Med Razgl
Vol. and No.		Letnik 50, št. 2
Publication year		2011
Volume		str. 197-204
Language		slo
Abstract		Over the past few years, several studies have showu that elastic properties of arteries independently correlate with the risk of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular 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, it is 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.
Descriptors		CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDERS ARTERIES ELASTICITY BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY