Abstract
Background/aim The two vertebral arteries (VAs) are usually unequal in size; the left one is generally larger than the right one. It was hypothesized that the asymmetry results from the need of the dominant cerebral hemisphere for more glucose and oxygen, i.e. more blood supply. In this study, we aimed to test this hypothesis in patients by evaluating their arterial diameter and hand preference, as it is the most common criterion to determine the dominance of the hemisphere. Materials and methods The study was performed with 844 participants who consented to participate in the study. We identified the dominant cerebral hemisphere by asking participants about their hand preference. Then we measured both the VA diameter and VA flow volume by Doppler ultrasonography. After demonstrating the asymmetry, correlation was tested. Results Among 844 participants included in the study, the mean diameter of the right VA was 3.14 ± 0.35 mm and that of the left VA was 3.41 ± 0.54 mm, while the mean flow volume of the right VA was 119.21 ± 44.98 mL/min and that of the left VA was 151.45 ± 57.26 mL/min. It was recorded that 771 (86.43%) participants were right-handed and 73 (8.18%) were left-handed.Conclusion No significant relationship was found between the increased blood demand of the dominant cerebral hemisphere and the vertebral artery dominance.
Highlights
The concept of hemispheric dominance in cerebral processes was first revealed by Broca in 1860 [1]
We identified the dominant cerebral hemisphere by asking participants about their hand preference
Among 844 participants included in the study, the mean diameter of the right vertebral arteries (VAs) was 3.14 ± 0.35 mm and that of the left VA was 3.41 ± 0.54 mm, while the mean flow volume of the right VA was 119.21 ± 44.98 mL/min and that of the left VA was 151.45 ± 57.26 mL/min
Summary
The concept of hemispheric dominance in cerebral processes was first revealed by Broca in 1860 [1]. It could be thought that the dominant cerebral hemisphere may require more blood supply due to increased demand for oxygen and nutrients [2]. It is unclear whether the asymmetry in the cerebral blood flow is a determinant of the cerebral dominance [3]. Since hand preference is one of the indicators of cerebral hemisphere dominance, it could be expected that the left cerebral hemisphere will be dominant among righthanded people and vice versa Based on this hypothesis, Cagnie et al investigated the relationship between the VA diameters and hand preference in 50 subjects but could not prove a statistically significant correlation [7].
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