Vascular tortuosity is related to reduced thalamic volume after middle cerebral artery occlusion

Abstract

Objectives: The mechanisms underlying secondary brain injury in remote areas remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vascular tortuosity and thalamic volume. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed sixty-five patients with unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) who underwent magnetic resonance angiography. We compared the vascular tortuosity in patients with MCAO and controls, and analyzed the relationship between vascular tortuosity and thalamic volume. Results: Compared with controls, the MCAO group exhibited a significantly smaller thalamus volume on the affected side (5874 ± 183 mm3 vs. 5635 ± 383 mm3, p 60 years and in female patients.

Keywords

• Cerebral infarction
• Secondary brain injury
• Tortuosity
• Magnetic resonance angiography
• Risk factors
• Thalamic volume