RESUMEN
Objective To study the tortuosity coefficient (TC) values of basilar arteries in the adult,and its change in cerebral basilar artery infarction.Methods TC values of basilar arteries was prospectively analyzed using the magnetic resonance angiography images of 135 controls(19-80 years of age,male 90,female 45)and 42 patients with cerebral infarction(5l-70 years of age,male 28,female 14).The relationship between TC values and posterior circulation infarction was statistically evaluated.Results Differences of TC between age groups were statistically significant except group B (31-50 years)and C(51-70 years)(F=10.31,P<0.01).The infarction group had greater TC value(2.497±1.200)than the control group(1.939±0.850,t=2.39,P=0.0195).Conclusions (1)Basilar artery tortuosity is positively related to age,reflecting the degree of arteriosclerosis;(2)Basilar artery tortuosity increases in patients with posterior circulation infarction.