Human microvascular reactivity: a review of vasomodulating stimuli and non-invasive imaging assessment

Abstract

The microvasculature serves an imperative function in regulating perfusion and nutrient exchange throughout the body, adaptively altering blood flow to preserve hemodynamic and metabolic homeostasis. Its normal functioning is vital to tissue health, whereas its dysfunction is present in many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. As microvascular dysfunction often appears early in disease progression, its detection can offer early diagnostic information. To detect microvascular dysfunction, one uses imaging to probe the microvasculature’s ability to react to a stimulus, also known as microvascular reactivity (MVR). An assessment of MVR requires an integrated understanding of vascular physiology, techniques for stimulating reactivity, and available imaging methods to capture the dynamic response. Practical considerations, including compatibility between the selected stimulus and imaging approach, likewise require attention. In this review, we provide a comprehensive foundation necessary for informed imaging of MVR, with a particular focus on the challenging endeavor of assessing microvascular function in deep tissues.

Paradoxe Perfusionsreaktion der kontralateralen Hand nach Hand-MRT

“…Aufgrund der räumlich inhomogenen Gefäßstruktur und der Variabilität der Durchblutung stellt die Untersuchung der mikrovaskulären Perfusion eine besondere Herausforderung dar 8 . Das diagnostische Mittel der vaskulären Untersuchung, das bei einer akuten Perfusionsstörung der oberen Extremitäten gewählt wird, wägt die Verfügbarkeit einer bestimmten Bildgebungsmodalität und den Zeitaufwand für die Durchführung sowie Interpretation der Diagnostik gegen die Dringlichkeit und mögliche Therapie der Revaskularisierung ab ( Abb.…”

Multispectral imaging of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in skin microcirculation

“…This protocol can be used to diagnose a range of health disorders. [12,92,93] Upper-arm occlusion affects the whole measured area similarly and simultaneously. Inflation of the occlusion cuff is not instantaneous but takes a few seconds.…”

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Does Not Track Forearm Blood Flow during Venous Occlusion Plethysmography

“…Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the global leading cause of death for men and women [1], which highlights the growing need to focus on a variety of applied methods and devices capable of providing early predictions of the risks associated with the onset and severity of CVD [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Devices and approaches are currently available to examine the health and function of the microvasculature, which have been identified as early indicators of CVD [2].…”