Oscar H Del Brutto1, Robertino M Mera2, Aldo F Costa1, Victor J Del Brutto3. 1. School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador. 2. University of Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 3. Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The relationship between basilar artery (BA) diameter and Circle of Willis (CoW) configuration has been scarcely investigated. We aimed to assess this association in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: MRAs of 346 individuals were reviewed. Using generalized linear models adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, we assessed the relationship between BA diameter and fetal and non-fetal types CoW, as well as the impact of this relationship on BA ectasia prevalence. RESULTS: In the total population, the mean BA diameter was 3.13 ± 0.68 mm and 7 subjects (2%) had ectasia (BA diameter >4.5 mm). In 248 subjects with non-fetal types CoW, the mean BA diameter was 3.32 ± 0.62 mm, and 2.8% had ectasia. In 98 subjects with fetal type CoW, the mean BA diameter was 2.66 ± 0.58 mm, and no individual had ectasia. The BA diameter was smaller in subjects with fetal type CoW than in those with non-fetal types (β 0.65; 95% CI 0.51-0.79; p < 0.001). Individuals with fetal type CoW have an 18% reduction in BA diameter compared to those with non-fetal types, independently of demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study shows an inverse relationship between the BA diameter and the presence of fetal type CoW.
BACKGROUND: The relationship between basilar artery (BA) diameter and Circle of Willis (CoW) configuration has been scarcely investigated. We aimed to assess this association in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: MRAs of 346 individuals were reviewed. Using generalized linear models adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, we assessed the relationship between BA diameter and fetal and non-fetal types CoW, as well as the impact of this relationship on BA ectasia prevalence. RESULTS: In the total population, the mean BA diameter was 3.13 ± 0.68 mm and 7 subjects (2%) had ectasia (BA diameter >4.5 mm). In 248 subjects with non-fetal types CoW, the mean BA diameter was 3.32 ± 0.62 mm, and 2.8% had ectasia. In 98 subjects with fetal type CoW, the mean BA diameter was 2.66 ± 0.58 mm, and no individual had ectasia. The BA diameter was smaller in subjects with fetal type CoW than in those with non-fetal types (β 0.65; 95% CI 0.51-0.79; p < 0.001). Individuals with fetal type CoW have an 18% reduction in BA diameter compared to those with non-fetal types, independently of demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study shows an inverse relationship between the BA diameter and the presence of fetal type CoW.
Authors: Oscar H Del Brutto; Gautam Matcha; Robertino M Mera; Victor J Del Brutto; Aldo F Costa; Pablo R Castillo Journal: J Ultrasound Date: 2018-11-09