关键词: 椎动脉; 磁共振血管造影术

Abstract: Objective Vertebral artery (VA) hypoplasia is an uncommon embryonic variation. The frequencyof this congenital variation was reported to be 2%-6% from autopsy and angiograms. Thepurpose of our study was to elucidate the role of VA hypoplasia in acute ischemic stroke.Methods We examined 195 acute ischemic stroke patients (age 57±13 years). Trial of Org10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) subtypes were determined. Magnetic resonanceangiogram(MRA) was performed in every patient. Carotid duplex ultrasound and VA flowvolume measurement need to be completed within 72 h after onset.Results The overall incidence of a unilateral congenital hypoplastic VA was 11.79%, whichwas statistically higher especially in cases of brainstem/cerebellar infarction. Subjects with VAhypoplasia had an etiological preponderance of the ‘large-artery atherosclerosis’ subtype and atopographic preponderance of ipsilateral posterior circulation infarction.Conclusion Based on our results, VA hypoplasia seemed to be a contributing factor of acuteischemic stroke, especially in posterior circulation territories.

Key words: Vertebral artery; Magnetic resonance angiography