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Calcification of the vertebral artery
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 1, 1983
Summary
Intracranial vertebral artery calcification was found in 3.4% of 3,648 computed tomographic scans, increasing with age. This calcification strongly correlates with vertebral artery stenosis, suggesting CT is a valuable diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Intracranial vertebral artery calcification is a potential indicator of cerebrovascular disease.
- Assessing the incidence and clinical significance of this finding requires robust imaging data.
Observation:
- Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 3,648 patients were analyzed for intracranial vertebral artery calcification.
- Calcification was detected in 3.4% of individuals, with higher prevalence in older age groups.
- Skull radiographs showed limited sensitivity for detecting calcification compared to CT.
Findings:
- A significant correlation exists between CT-identified vertebral artery calcification and vertebral artery stenosis confirmed by cerebral angiography.
- The prevalence of calcification increases with age, highlighting a potential age-related vascular change.
Implications:
- CT imaging is effective for identifying intracranial vertebral artery calcification.
- The strong association with stenosis suggests calcification may serve as a marker for significant atherosclerotic disease in the vertebral arteries.
- Further research could explore the predictive value of this finding for stroke risk.