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- Title
Vascular tortuosity in relationship with hypertension and posterior fossa volume in hemifacial spasm.
- Authors
Edmond, Evan Cyril; Xue-Li Sim, Samantha; Hui-Hua Li; Eng-King Tan; Ling-Ling Chan; Sim, Samantha Xue-Li; Li, Hui-Hua; Tan, Eng-King; Chan, Ling-Ling
- Abstract
<bold>Background: </bold>Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a disabling neurological condition. Vascular tortuosity in HFS patients has not been quantified objectively and its relationship with hypertension and posterior fossa volume (PF) is unknown. In a case control magnetic resonance imaging and angiographic (MRI/A) study, we quantified and compared the vascular tortuosity in HFS and controls, and evaluated its relationship with hypertension and PF.<bold>Methods: </bold>Using a commercially available vessel probe tool, an index of tortuosity based on vessel over chord length was employed to quantify vascular tortuosity of the vertebral (VA) and basilar arteries (BA) in 79 subjects (40 HFS, 39 controls).<bold>Results: </bold>The tortuosity index of the BA (1.09 vs 1.16, p = 0.26, 95 % CI 1.07, 1.23), RVA (1.15 vs 1.15, p = 0.83, 95 % CI 1.06, 1.38) and LVA (1.14 vs 1.288, p = 0.16, 95 % CI 1.14, 1.44) was not different between HFS and controls, with adjustments for PF volume and hypertension.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Contrary to popular belief, our study showed that taking into account hypertension and PF volume, vascular tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar arteries is unlikely to be a major etiologic factor in HFS, though its role in select individuals cannot be excluded. The complex interplay of facial nerve hyperexcitability, genetic predisposition, vascular tortuosity, posterior fossa volume and hypertension needs to be further evaluated.
- Subjects
ANGIOGRAPHY complications; PREHYPERTENSION; MAGNETIC resonance imaging; BLOOD circulation disorders; FACIAL hemiatrophy; BLOOD vessels; BRAIN; HYPERTENSION; SPASMS; MAGNETIC resonance angiography; DISEASE complications
- Publication
BMC Neurology, 2016, Vol 16, p1
- ISSN
1471-2377
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1186/s12883-016-0634-z