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Neuroradiology

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01-08-2021 | Aneurysm | Interventional Neuroradiology

A retrospective longitudinal study of age-related shifts and deformations in the basilar artery bifurcation

Authors: Ming Zeng, Zheng Huang, Wengui Tao, Feiyue Zeng, Fenghua Chen

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 8/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have indicated that cerebral arterial morphology is linked to aging and some cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms of morphological changes remain unclear. This study evaluated age-related positional changes in the basilar artery (BA) bifurcation based on longitudinal computed tomography angiography (CTA) data.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated clinical and imaging data from 72 subjects who underwent two CTA scans between July 2011 and August 2019. Three-dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed for each subject based on the two CTA scans with the longest separating interval. Skull landmarks were used to fuse the two models, and the fused model was used to evaluate positional changes in the BA bifurcation. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify variables that were correlated to BA bifurcation shifting. Pearson’s correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the shifting distance and change in the BA bifurcation angle.

Results

Significant differences between aneurysm and non-aneurysm cases were observed in terms of sex (p = 0.004), CTA scan interval (p = 0.023), and BA bifurcation shifting distance (p = 0.007). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that the BA bifurcation shifting distance was significantly correlated with the CTA scan interval (p = 0.038) and the presence of aneurysms (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the shifting distance was positively correlated with widening of the BA bifurcation angle (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Aging-related widening of the BA bifurcation angle may be related to distal shifting of the BA bifurcation’s position, and larger distal shifting of the BA bifurcation may be associated with the risk of aneurysm formation.

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Title: A retrospective longitudinal study of age-related shifts and deformations in the basilar artery bifurcation
Authors: Ming Zeng
Zheng Huang
Wengui Tao
Feiyue Zeng
Fenghua Chen
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Aneurysm
Aneurysm
CT Angiography
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 8/2021
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02644-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A retrospective longitudinal study of age-related shifts and deformations in the basilar artery bifurcation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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