Research Article

Cerebrovascular Effects of Lower Body Negative Pressure at 3T MRI: Implications for Long-Duration Space Travel

Corresponding Author

Larry A. Kramer MD

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0002-1450-9479

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

Address reprint requests to: L.A.K., 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 2.130B Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

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Khader M. Hasan PhD,

Khader M. Hasan PhD

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

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Refaat E. Gabr PhD,

Refaat E. Gabr PhD

orcid.org/0000-0002-8802-3201

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

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Brandon R. Macias PhD,

Brandon R. Macias PhD

Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA

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Karina Marshall-Goebel PhD,

Karina Marshall-Goebel PhD

orcid.org/0000-0002-5240-7625

KBR, Houston, Texas, USA

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Steven S. Laurie PhD,

Steven S. Laurie PhD

KBR, Houston, Texas, USA

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Alan R. Hargens PhD,

Alan R. Hargens PhD

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

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Larry A. Kramer MD,

Corresponding Author

Larry A. Kramer MD

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0002-1450-9479

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

Address reprint requests to: L.A.K., 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 2.130B Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

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Khader M. Hasan PhD,

Khader M. Hasan PhD

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

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Refaat E. Gabr PhD,

Refaat E. Gabr PhD

orcid.org/0000-0002-8802-3201

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

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Brandon R. Macias PhD,

Brandon R. Macias PhD

Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA

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Karina Marshall-Goebel PhD,

Karina Marshall-Goebel PhD

orcid.org/0000-0002-5240-7625

KBR, Houston, Texas, USA

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Steven S. Laurie PhD,

Steven S. Laurie PhD

KBR, Houston, Texas, USA

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Alan R. Hargens PhD,

Alan R. Hargens PhD

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

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First published: 04 February 2022

https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.28102

Citations: 2

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Abstract

Background

Optic disc edema develops in most astronauts during long-duration spaceflight. It is hypothesized to result from weightlessness-induced venous congestion of the head and neck and is an unresolved health risk of space travel.

Purpose

Determine if short-term application of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) could reduce internal jugular vein (IJV) expansion associated with the supine posture without negatively impacting cerebral perfusion or causing IJV flow stasis.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Nine healthy volunteers (six women).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/cine two-dimensional phase-contrast gradient echo; pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling single-shot gradient echo echo-planar.

Assessment

The study was performed with two sequential conditions in randomized order: supine posture and supine posture with 25 mmHg LBNP (LBNP₂₅). LBNP was achieved by enclosing the lower extremities in a semi-airtight acrylic chamber connected to a vacuum. Heart rate, bulk cerebrovasculature flow, IJV cross-sectional area, fractional IJV outflow relative to arterial inflow, and cerebral perfusion were assessed in each condition.

Statistical Tests

Paired t-tests were used to compare measurement means across conditions. Significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results

LBNP₂₅ significantly increased heart rate from 64 ± 9 to 71 ± 8 beats per minute and significantly decreased IJV cross-sectional area, IJV outflow fraction, cerebral arterial flow rate, and cerebral arterial stroke volume from 1.28 ± 0.64 to 0.56 ± 0.31 cm², 0.75 ± 0.20 to 0.66 ± 0.28, 780 ± 154 to 708 ± 137 mL/min and 12.2 ± 2.8 to 9.7 ± 1.7 mL/cycle, respectively. During LBNP₂₅, there was no significant change in gray or white matter cerebral perfusion (P = 0.26 and P = 0.24 respectively) and IJV absolute mean peak flow velocity remained ≥4 cm/sec in all subjects.

Data Conclusion

Short-term application of LBNP₂₅ reduced IJV expansion without decreasing cerebral perfusion or inducing IJV flow stasis.

Level of Evidence

Technical Efficacy Stage

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Volume56, Issue3

September 2022

Pages 873-881

Cerebrovascular Effects of Lower Body Negative Pressure at 3T MRI: Implications for Long-Duration Space Travel

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Study Type

Subjects

Field Strength/Sequence

Assessment

Statistical Tests

Results

Data Conclusion

Level of Evidence

Technical Efficacy Stage

References

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Cerebrovascular Effects of Lower Body Negative Pressure at 3T MRI: Implications for Long-Duration Space Travel

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Study Type

Subjects

Field Strength/Sequence

Assessment

Statistical Tests

Results

Data Conclusion

Level of Evidence

Technical Efficacy Stage

References

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information