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Neurovascular compression and essential hypertension. An angiographic study
B Kleineberg1, H Becker, M R Gaab
1Department of Neuroradiology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany.
Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Arterial compression of cranial nerves IX and X may contribute to essential hypertension. This study found a higher prevalence of such neurovascular compression in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The exact causes of essential hypertension are not fully understood.
- A recent hypothesis suggests arterial compression of cranial nerves IX and X may be involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of neurovascular compression in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.
- To verify the hypothesis linking arterial loops near the cranial nerves IX/X root entry zone (REZ) to hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of vertebral angiographies in 99 hypertensive and 57 normotensive patients.
- Comparison of angiographic findings with an anatomical study of 10 cadavers to determine REZ topography.
- Radiographic determination of left vagus/glossopharyngeal nerve positions in cadavers.
Main Results:
- An artery was identified in the left REZ of cranial nerves IX and X in 81% of evaluable hypertensive patients.
- In contrast, arterial presence in the REZ was observed in only 41.7% of normotensive patients.
- A significant association was found between neurovascular compression and essential hypertension.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that essential hypertension may be associated with neurovascular compression.
- Compression of the left REZ of cranial nerves IX/X by arteries is a potential pathogenetic factor in essential hypertension.