Clinical value of MRA analysis of the vertebrobasilar system in vertiginous patients

Vertebrobasilar haemodynamics correlate closely with syndromal vertigo. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical value of MRA for evaluation of vertebrobasilar haemodynamics in vertiginous patients. We examined 40 individuals (20 with vertebrobasilar insufficiency and 20 diagnosed with other vestibular disorders). MRA results were quantified on the basis of the severity of vascular stenosis in the major arteries of the vertebrobasilar system and we analysed the relationship of these results with otoneurological diagnoses, eye-tracking tests (ETT) and optokinetic nystagmus (OKN). MRA results correlated well with otoneurological diagnoses and ETT results. Consequently, MRA can be used as a screening examination to evaluate vertebrobasilar haemodynamics and ETT may be a sensitive functional parameter of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.