Preferential involvement of hypoplastic vessels in vertebral artery dissection: a comparative study

Background and Purpose: The etiology of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (sVAD) has been poorly understood until today. The aim of this clinical study was to analyze ultrasonographic measurements, in particular regarding the size of vessels, and clinical characteristics such as vascular risk factors. Methods: Prospectively collected data of 41 consecutive patients presenting with sVAD in a single teaching hospital from January 2009 to August 2010 was analyzed. The patients had regularly cerebrovascular MR-imaging including cervical MR-Angiography as well as ultrasonographic evaluation. Neurovascular risk…