Emin Cakmakci1, Safiye Tokgoz Ozal1, Esra Karabay Ogutcu1, Alper Aydin1, Suzan Tunc1, Umut Kaygusuz1, Hasibe Gokce Cinar1. 1. 1 Department of Radiology, Dr. Sami Ulus Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey ; 2 Department of Radiology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey ; 3 Department of Radiology, Iskenderun Government Hospital, Iskenderun, Turkey ; 4 Department of Radiology, Giresun Prof. Dr. A. Ilhan Ozdemir Government Hospital, Giresun, Turkey ; 5 Department of Radiology, Malatya Government Hospital, Malatya, Turkey ; 6 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. Sami Ulus Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether signal intensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) views and radiological findings on Doppler ultrasonography may have a diagnostic value for vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). METHODS: This case-control study was performed on demographic and radiologic data derived from 18 VBI patients and 58 healthy controls in the radiology department of a tertiary care center. The blood flow characteristics including peak systolic and end diastolic flow rates, resistance and pulsatility indices, mean velocities, flow rates, diameters and intensity pattern of vertebral arteries on cervical and cranial MRI sequences were noted. The association between blood flow characteristics and signal patterns on MRI views was investigated in VBI patients and controls. RESULTS: Blood flow and vessel diameter were significantly decreased in VBI patients compared to controls on both sides (P<0.001). In contrast, other parameters did not exhibit any remarkable difference between VBI and control groups. The distribution of hypo- or hyperintense signals in VBI and control groups was similar. No remarkable variabilities were detected in blood flow characteristics of cases presenting with signals having different intensities on MRI sequences. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, results of the current study have demonstrated that assessment of blood flow and vascular diameter may be important for ruling in VBI. Nevertheless, the intensity of signals derived from vessels seems not reveal any data of diagnostic significance in these cases. Further studies on larger populations may allow development and exploration of newer diagnostic techniques and clues for VBI.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether signal intensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) views and radiological findings on Doppler ultrasonography may have a diagnostic value for vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). METHODS: This case-control study was performed on demographic and radiologic data derived from 18 VBI patients and 58 healthy controls in the radiology department of a tertiary care center. The blood flow characteristics including peak systolic and end diastolic flow rates, resistance and pulsatility indices, mean velocities, flow rates, diameters and intensity pattern of vertebral arteries on cervical and cranial MRI sequences were noted. The association between blood flow characteristics and signal patterns on MRI views was investigated in VBI patients and controls. RESULTS: Blood flow and vessel diameter were significantly decreased in VBI patients compared to controls on both sides (P<0.001). In contrast, other parameters did not exhibit any remarkable difference between VBI and control groups. The distribution of hypo- or hyperintense signals in VBI and control groups was similar. No remarkable variabilities were detected in blood flow characteristics of cases presenting with signals having different intensities on MRI sequences. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, results of the current study have demonstrated that assessment of blood flow and vascular diameter may be important for ruling in VBI. Nevertheless, the intensity of signals derived from vessels seems not reveal any data of diagnostic significance in these cases. Further studies on larger populations may allow development and exploration of newer diagnostic techniques and clues for VBI.
Entities:
Keywords:
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI); diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); radiology