Hand preference is selectively related to common and internal carotid arterial asymmetry. Issue 4 (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jansen van Vuuren, Anica; Saling, Michael M.; Ameen, Ozyar; Naidoo, Nadraj; Solms, Mark
• Is Part Of: Laterality. Volume 22:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 377
• Page End: 398
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Handedness -- cerebral lateralization -- common and internal carotid arteries -- arterial asymmetry -- arterial geometry and haemodynamics; Laterality -- Periodicals; Cerebral dominance -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1080/1357650X.2016.1205596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-650X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study documents relationships between handedness and carotid arterial asymmetries. The article is divided into two sections, considering first geometric ( n = 195) and then haemodynamic ( n = 228) asymmetries. In the geometric study, diameters, lengths, and angles of the common carotid arteries in left and right-handed participants were measured using computed tomography angiography scans. Resistance to blood flow was calculated according to Poiseuille's formula. In the haemodynamic study, peak systolic and end-diastolic velocity, vessel diameter, and volume flow rate of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries were measured in left and right-handed participants, using Doppler ultrasonography. The findings reveal for the first time that the extracranial arteries supplying the cerebral hemispheres are asymmetrical in a direction that increases blood flow to the hemisphere dominant for handedness. Significant handedness interactions were identified in arterial length, diameter, resistance to blood flow, velocity and flow volume rate ( p < .001). Arterial resistance and volume flow rates significantly predicted hand preference and proficiency. Our findings reveal a vascular correlate of handedness, but causality cannot be determined from this study alone. These asymmetries appear to be independent of aortic arch anomalies, suggesting a top-down, possibly demand-driven, pattern of development.