[Morphometric studies of the vertebral artery in infants and small children]

The internal circumference of the vertebral artery and the cross-sectional area of its tunica media were measured planimetrically at three different topographical sites in 48 cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and 18 reference cases. Based on preliminary determination of the error of measurement, both groups studied showed significant differences between sides. As the degree of differences is often marked, impressive haemodynamic consequences can be expected. The findings are discussed with regard to SIDS.