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. 2024 Apr;34(4):2334-2351.
doi: 10.1007/s00330-023-10154-9. Epub 2023 Sep 6.

Position- and posture-dependent vascular imaging-a scoping review

Jordy K van Zandwijk  1   2 , Jaimy A Simmering  3   4 , Richte C L Schuurmann  4   5 , Frank F J Simonis  6 , Bennie Ten Haken  6 , Jean-Paul P M de Vries  5 , Robert H Geelkerken  3   4
Affiliations

Position- and posture-dependent vascular imaging-a scoping review

Jordy K van Zandwijk et al. Eur Radiol. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: Position- and posture-dependent deformation of the vascular system is a relatively unexplored field. The goal of this scoping review was to create an overview of existing vascular imaging modalities in different body positions and postures and address the subsequent changes in vascular anatomy.

Methods: Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane were searched for literature published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2022, incorporating the following categories: image modality, anatomy, orientation, and outcomes.

Results: Out of 2446 screened articles, we included 108. The majority of papers used ultrasound (US, n = 74) in different body positions and postures with diameter and cross-sectional area (CSA) as outcome measures. Magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22) and computed tomography (n = 8) were less frequently used but allowed for investigation of other geometrical measures such as vessel curvature and length. The venous system proved more sensitive to postural changes than the arterial system, which was seen as increasing diameters of veins below the level of the heart when going from supine to prone to standing positions, and vice versa.

Conclusions: The influence of body positions and postures on vasculature was predominantly explored with US for vessel diameter and CSA. Posture-induced deformation and additional geometrical features that may be of interest for the (endovascular) treatment of vascular pathologies have been limitedly reported, such as length and curvature of an atherosclerotic popliteal artery during bending of the knee after stent placement. The most important clinical implications of positional changes are found in diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up after stent placement.

Clinical relevance statement: This scoping review presents the current state and opportunities of position- and posture-dependent imaging of vascular structures using various imaging modalities that are relevant in the fields of clinical diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up after stent placement.

Key points: • The influence of body positions and postures on the vasculature was predominantly investigated with US for vessel diameter and cross-sectional area. • Research into geometrical deformation, such as vessel length and curvature adaptation, that may be of interest for the (endovascular) treatment of vascular pathologies is limited in different positions and postures. • The most important clinical implications of postural changes are found in diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up after stent placement.

Keywords: Blood vessels; Diagnostic imaging; Humans; Posture.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of the studies included in the review
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Included studies categorized by location and divided by the vascular system and modality and imaging modality. A+V = arterial and venous; CT = computed tomography; DSA = digital subtraction angiography; MMOD = multiple imaging modalities; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; US = ultrasound
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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