Učestalost i značaj hipolazije vertebralne arterije kod infarkta mozga u vertebrobazilarnom slivu

Abstract

It is believed that inborn anomalies of the cerebral blood vessels increase the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease onset. Vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH)was first described in the 19th century. It is an uncommon embryonic variation of posterior circulation. The frequency of VAH has been reported to range from 2-6% in normal healthy individuals. Keeping in mind the significance of this vascular variation, VAH is rightfully supposed to be a possible independent risk factor for posterior circulation stroke (PCS).Our investigation enrolled 50 patients with PCS. Control group comprised 40 patients without cerebral infarction or any other vascular disease.Standard risk factors were monitored, and the presence of VAH was proved by performing Echo-Color-Doppler method (CDE), computed tomography angiography (CTA), andmagnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Brainstem evoked potentials (EP) generated in the structures of posterior circulation were also performed. We proved significant frequency of VAH in patients with PCS. VAH was found to be an independent risk factor for PCI. Its presence is associated with five-fold increased risk of PCS and it is significantly related to the severity of clinical findings and mortality rate in the above mentioned group. In the group of patients with PCS, the findings of EP were pathologic.