Abstract
We investigated MRA findings in the basilar arterial system of 84 individuals who had no history of balance disorder nor complications associated with atherosclerosis. The existence of stenosis in the basilar artery (BA) and morphology of the BA was estimated based on MRA results. Visualization of branches originating from the BA, posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and superior cerebellar artery (SCA), were also evaluated. Stenosis of the BA was found only in 5% of the subjects, and only one case of severe stenosis was noted. In regard to the morphology of the BA, a straight pattern was observed in 74%, a curved pattern in 19% and a S shaped-pattern in 7%. Bilateral PCAs were confirmed in 93% and bilateral SCAs in 92%. Thus, we considered that BA stenosis and the visualization of PCAs and SCAs were good landmarks for the evaluation of MRA findings in the BA system. However, the morphology of the BA is not suitable for screening for abnormalities in MRA findings in the BA system, because of the extent of variation in morphology.
