Association Between Configuration of Basilar Artery and Vessel Wall Features: A Prospective High-resolution MR imagine Study

Background We aimed to investigate the relationship between distal and proximal anatomical configurations of basilar artery (BA) and vessel wall features on high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI). Methods From September 2014 to January 2017, patients with suspected symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis underwent HRMRI. Patients with severe BA stenosis were enrolled. Configurations of BA were divided complete and incomplete groups based on with or without bilateral vertebral arties and posterior cerebral arteries. Culprit vessel wall features on HRMRI included enhancement grade, intraplaque hemorrhage, remodeling patterns, and plaque distribution. Culprit vessel wall features were compared between complete and incomplete groups. Results Among the 298 consecutively enrolled patients, 34 consecutive patients had severe BA stenosis. Seventeen patients had complete configuration and 14 patients with incomplete configuration. There were no statistics difference in vessel wall features between complete and incomplete groups configuration groups. The proximal configuration of BA was associated with intraplaque hemorrhage(p=0.002) and the distal configuration of BA correlated with strong enhancement of BA plaque(p=0.041). Conclusions The complete and incomplete groups configuration of BA did not associate with vessel wall features. The proximal configuration of BA was related with intraplaque hemorrhage and the distal configuration of BA was associated with strong plaque enhancement. These findings are continuously needed to confirmed in future studies.