Impact of vertebral artery tortuosity on mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusion – A tertiary center experience

Background: Tortuosity in anterior circulation has been associated with the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We classified vertebral artery (VA) tortuosity and investigated the effect of VA tortuosity on the outcomes of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) after MT.
Materials and Methods & Results:  We enrolled patients who underwent MT for BAO. VA tortuosity was classified into three-types; Type-I: non-tortuous, Type-II: S-shape or VA with acute angulation (
Conclusions: VA tortuosity was significantly associated with the stroke outcome after MT for BAO. Initial stroke severity and successful recanalization might affect the stroke outcome.
 

Keywords: Thrombectomy, Vertebral artery, Tortuosity, Basilar artery occlusion