CFD-Based Quantification of Hemodynamic Variables in Cerebral Aneurysms: How Hemodynamics Shape Aneurysm Fate

TL;DR

This paper systematically catalogs and organizes hemodynamic variables used in cerebral aneurysm studies, aiming to standardize methodologies and improve reproducibility in research linking blood flow dynamics to aneurysm behavior.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive reference of hemodynamic parameters in cerebral aneurysm research, facilitating consistent variable selection and methodological standardization.

Findings

Identified key hemodynamic variables like WSS, OSI, WSSG, RRT, ECAP.

Organized variables based on physical basis and usage frequency.

Established a foundational resource for future aneurysm hemodynamics studies.

Abstract

Cerebral aneurysms are pathological dilations of intracranial arteries that can rupture with devastating consequences, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, and death. Accumulating evidence indicates that local hemodynamic forces play a critical role in aneurysm initiation, growth, and rupture. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and imaging-based techniques have enabled the extraction of various hemodynamic variables to characterize these flow conditions. However, the literature is highly fragmented, with different studies adopting distinct sets of metrics such as wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), wall shear stress gradient (WSSG), relative residence time (RRT), or endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP) making it difficult to compare results or establish standardized methodologies. This paper provides the first comprehensive catalog of hemodynamic variables used in cerebral aneurysm studies to date. By systematically identifying and organizing these parameters based on their physical basis and frequency of use, this work offers a consolidated reference to guide future research. The goal is to support consistent variable selection, enhance reproducibility, and facilitate the design of more robust studies linking vascular biomechanics to aneurysm pathophysiology. This review aims to serve as a foundational resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to incorporate hemodynamic modeling into cerebral aneurysm analysis and risk assessment.