The inner diameter of human intracranial vertebral artery by color Doppler method

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Medical imaging
• Cerebrovascular research

Background:

• The intracranial vertebral artery is a critical component of the posterior circulation of the brain.
• Understanding normal variations in vertebral artery diameter is essential for interpreting imaging studies and assessing cerebrovascular health.
• Previous studies have indicated potential sex and age-related differences in vessel dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the internal diameter of the intracranial vertebral artery in a cohort of healthy individuals.
• To determine if significant differences exist between the left and right vertebral arteries.
• To explore correlations between vertebral artery diameter and demographic factors such as sex and age.

Main Methods:

• Echocolor Doppler ultrasound was employed to measure the internal diameter of the intracranial vertebral arteries.
• Fifty healthy subjects participated in the study.
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences and correlations.

Main Results:

• The left vertebral artery diameter was greater than the right in 58% of subjects, a statistically significant finding (p < 0.05).
• This left-right diameter difference remained significant in women (p < 0.05) but not in men when analyzed separately.
• A significant correlation was observed between vertebral artery diameter and sex (p < 0.01).
• Vertebral artery diameter showed a tendency to increase with age, significant for the left side.
• No significant correlation was found between body surface area and vertebral artery diameter.

Conclusions:

• The left intracranial vertebral artery is generally larger than the right in healthy individuals.
• Sex, particularly in women, and age are significant factors influencing vertebral artery dimensions.
• Echocolor Doppler is a reliable method for assessing intracranial vertebral artery diameter.