An Ultrasound Evaluation of the Vertebral Artery in Patients With Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia

Purpose The aim of the current study was to assess and compare Doppler ultrasound findings, especially the resistivity index (RI), among and between patients with vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) and normal populations. Material and methods Fifteen consecutive patients with VAH (mean age 54 ± 21 years) and 15 sex-matched controls without VAH (mean age 54 ± 22 years) were selected for the study. The vertebral arteries (VA) were examined with Doppler ultrasound. We also explored each group for sex and age differences (young: age ≤ 50, old: age >50). Results The mean RI (MRI), right RI (RRI), left RI (LRI), non-dominant-side RI, and dominant-side RI were significantly higher in the Case Group than the Control Group. In the Case Group, the affected-side RI (A.RI) was significantly higher than the normal side, while the normal side peak systolic velocity was significantly higher than the affected side. The MRI and A.RI were significantly higher in older patients. We also found a significant negative correlation between the mean diameter (MD) and MRI. MRI and A.RI both correlated positively with age in the Case Group, while left peak systolic velocity decreased significantly with age in the Control Group [p-values < 0.05]. Conclusion The dominant VA had a higher RI in the Case Group than the Control Group. It can therefore be inferred that the dominant VA in patients with VAH does not work completely normally, thus making these patients even more susceptible to vertebrobasilar insufficiency and possible strokes.