Morphological vessel analysis of intracranial basal ganglia hemorrhage on computed tomography angiography image

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of the basal ganglia mostly occurs unilaterally. Therefore, we describe the differences between the morphological parameters of lesional and non-lesional carotid arteries using initial computed tomography angiography. A total of 284 patients were diagnosed with nontraumatic ICH between March 2020 and October 2024. Hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhages were included with a total of 64 patients enrolled in this study. Using an IntelliSpace portal, morphological examination was conducted on both the intracranial and extracranial segments on each side of the carotid artery (intra- and extra group). The total length, short distance, maximal diameter, and minimal diameter of each segment was calculated. In both the intra- and extra-groups, the measured variables (Tortuosity, short distance, length, Dmin, Dmax) demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the ICH and non-ICH sides. There were no statistically significant differences in the five measured parameters after adjusting for the bleeding side to compensate for left/right (Lt/Rt) anatomical differences. To evaluate age-related alterations in blood vessels, we categorized individuals into 2 groups: those aged $$\ge$$65 and $$\le$$65 years, ensuring a comparable distribution across the groups. Subsequently, we analyzed morphological alterations in the blood vessels of both groups. Significant differences in tortuosity and short distances within the Intra group were observed using paired t-tests. (tortuosity- p = 0.011, short distance- p = 0.041) Morphological analysis revealed that the bilateral carotid arteries did not differ between the intracranial and extracranial segments. However, some parameters (tortuosity and short distance) exhibited morphological changes associated with aging.