BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the influence of different input arteries on the parameters of computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging for patients with different degree of stenosis of internal carotid artery (ICA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients were enrolled in the present study and divided into mild, moderate, severe stenosis and occlusion groups respectively with each 10 patients in each group. In reconstruction of cerebral CT perfusion (CTP) images, each raw perfusion image was reconstructed 3 times based on different reference input artery, including bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar arteries (BA). Region of interest (ROI) was drawn in the central territories of bilateral anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery. And regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and delay time (DT) were obtained from those ROI corresponding perfusion images.

RESULTS: In patients with mild and moderate ICA stenosis, there was no significant difference of perfusion parameters based on different input arteries (P>0.05). However, in severe ICA stenosis and occlusion CBF, MTT, and DT were significant different in affect side of the MCA group compared to the others (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Large intracranial artery can be selected as the input artery for patients with mild to moderate ICA stenosis, while for patients with severe stenosis and occlusion of ICA, the contra lateral middle cerebral artery or basilar artery would be better choice.

Keywords: carotid stenosis, Diagnosis, Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed, Carotid Artery, Internal, Cerebrovascular Circulation, Middle Cerebral Artery, Perfusion, perfusion imaging, Tomography, X-Ray Computed