Vertebral artery deformation is associated with basilar artery plaque vulnerability on high-resolution vessel wall imaging

Motivation: Intracranial arterial plaque vulnerability is strongly associated with stroke events. However, limited research exists on the association between vertebrobasilar arterial geometry and plaque vulnerability characteristics in the posterior circulation. Goal(s): We aimed to determine the correlation between vertebral arterial geometry deformation and vulnerability characteristics of basilar atherosclerotic plaques using high-resolution vessel wall imaging. Approach: We used high-resolution vessel wall imaging, SPSS 27.0 software. Results: Vertebral arterial geometry deformation was a risk factor for intraplaque hemorrhage and an independent risk factor for plaque area in the basilar artery. Impact: Geometric deformation of the vertebral artery is an independent factor affecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque formation in the basilar artery, providing an imaging basis for early clinical intervention in treating basilar atherosclerotic plaques and preventing post-circulation stroke.