Additive effects of vertebral artery geometry deformation on VBA plaque vulnerability in hypertension: an HR-VWI study

Motivation: Both arterial geometry deformation and hypertension contribute to atherosclerosis development. However, their combined impact has not been explored. Goal(s): To investigate the combined effects of vertebral artery geometry deformation on vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients using high-resolution vessel wall imaging. Approach: Three-dimensional T1 SPACE magnetic resonance imaging, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ² test. Results: Vertebral artery geometry deformation appears to have an additive effect on the formation of vulnerable plaques in the basilar artery of hypertensive patients. Impact: Our findings concerning the additive effects of vertebral artery geometry deformation on vulnerable plaques in the basilar artery of hypertensive patients provide a basis for improved clinical management and comorbidity treatment strategies.