Research progress of computational fluid dynamics for intracranial and carotid atherosclerosis

Intracranial and carotid atherosclerosis are main causes of ischemic stroke. The mechanisms for the formation of atherosclerosis, a disease regarded as systematic inflammation response, are very complicated. Recently, most studies believe that the formation and development of atherosclerosis are closely related to hemodynamic metrics. Computational fluid dynamics can simulate the blood flow in the body in order to obtain hemodynamic parameters. Combined with clinical and morphological information, hemodynamic analysis can reveal the mechanical features that may affect atherosclerosis. This article reviewed computational fluid dynamics researches of intracranial and carotid atherosclerosis in recent years and summarized related hemodynamic parameters. Relationship between local hemodynamics and the development of atherosclerotic plaques was analyzed in order to offer reference for plaque local mechanical feature analysis and vulnerable plaques identification. Furthermore, this article may provide solutions for the early detection of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques and guide the treatment.