Assessment of the Willis circle flow changes and the severity of degenerative aortic stenosis and cognitive impairment

Degenerative aortic stenosis (DAS) and cognitive function deterioration frequently coexist in elderly patients, which affects the prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the Willis circle intracranial blood flow parameters and cognitive status in patients with DAS. Ultrasonography of the Willis circle and the assessment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) volume, acceleration time (AT), pulsatile and resistive indexes (PI, RI), as well as cognition tests (Mini‑Mental Status Examination [MMSE] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) were performed in group 1-41 patients with severe DAS (aortic valve area indexed to the body surface area [AVAi]