Color Doppler Analysis of Vertebral Arteries in Healthy Elders

The introduction of color Doppler Ultrasonography has improved the evaluation of vertebral arteries. This study was designed to determine normal values of hemodynamic parameters in second segment of vertebral artery in healthy old people. Materials &

We performed a prospective study in 31 healthy adults from 60 to 96 years old. Angle corrected flow velocities and luminal diameters were measured and waveform parameters calculated in all vertebral arteries.

It was possible to visualize V2 Segment in 100% and origin of right VA in 72% and origin of left VA in 59% of them. Mean diameter of right VA was 32.4± 0.56 mm while it was 3.52± 0.67 mm for the left VA. The resistance index in right VA was 0.71±0.08 and it was 0.69±0.06 in the left VA.There was no significant differences between the two sides. Peak systolic velocity was 35.77±12.71 cm/s on the right and 36.29±12.71 cm/s on the left. Accordingly, no differences were observed between the two sides.

This study and its presented reference values can lead to better differentiation between normal and pathologic findings in vertebral arteries among old people. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine the normal and pathologic values of vertebral arteries.