Relationship between vertebral artery dominance and basilar artery morphology and plaque characteristics:based on high-resolution vessel wall imaging
Objective To investigate differences in basilar artery morphology,plaque distribution,and enhancement patterns between vertebral artery dominance(VAD)and non-VAD patients using high-resolution vessel wall imaging(HR-VWI).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data and basilar artery morphology and plaque characteristics in 100 patients who underwent HR-MRI at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from June 2022 to March 2024.Utilizing 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography,VAD group(n=77)and non-VAD group(n=23)were examined.Measurements included vertebral and basilar artery diameters,lengths,curvature direction,and degree.Plaque distribution and enhancement were analyzed using HR-VWI,calculating stenosis degree,remodeling index,and plaque burden.Results Clinical data showed no significant differences between the two groups(P＞0.05).Significant differences were found in basilar artery curvature direction,degree,plaque distribution,and enhancement(P＜0.05).In the VAD group,basilar artery curvature was predominantly rightward,with higher proportions of grade 1 and 3 curvature,while the non-VAD group mainly had grade 0 curvature.Plaque was more often distributed on the ventral wall(P=0.010)and distally(P=0.047)in the VAD group.Grade 2 plaque enhancement was significantly higher in the VAD group compared to the non-VAD group(P＜0.05).Conclusion In VAD patients,the basilar artery predominantly curves to the right,with a higher proportion of moderate to severe curvature compared to non-VAD patients.Plaques in the basilar artery are more frequently located on the ventral wall and distally,with a more pronounced enhancement degree in VAD patients.Vertebral artery dominance significantly influences the direction and degree of basilar artery curvature,as well as plaque distribution and enhancement.
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