The Relationship Between Posterior Communicating Artery Formation and Vertebral Artery Flow Parameters

Abstract

Objectives: It is important to know the range of normal vertebral artery (VA) flow volume. Diminished VA flow volume is associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The study aim was to investigate the relationship between the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) calibration and the VA flow parameters, in patients with no underlying cerebrovascular disease, below 50 years of age. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 102 cases below 50 years of age. The basilar artery (BA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and the PCoA calibrations were measured with magnetic resonance angiography. The VA flow parameters (maximum systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, mean velocity, VA flow volume, and VA calibration) were measured with duplex sonography. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between these two imaging groups, in terms of VA Vmax, VA flow volumes, VA calibrations, and BA calibrations. However, the mean right ICA and mean left ICA calibrations were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 (P <.01). There was no significant correlation between mean PCoA calibration and mean Vmax, mean calibration, and the total flow volume of vertebral arteries. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the VA flow rate may be relatively maintained, regardless of PCoA measurements in this study.