In this large population-based study, calcification in the vertebrobasilar arteries was prevalent in 21% of the elderly.• Calcification in the vertebrobasilar arteries was weak to moderately correlated with calcification in other arteries.• Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated with vertebrobasilar artery calcification.• Our findings suggest a different pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis in the posterior-compared to anterior circulation.

No abstract

In this large population-based study, calcification in the vertebrobasilar arteries was prevalent in 21% of the elderly.• Calcification in the vertebrobasilar arteries was weak to moderately correlated with calcification in other arteries.• Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated with vertebrobasilar artery calcification.• Our findings suggest a different pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis in the posterior-compared to anterior circulation.

In this large population-based study, calcification in the vertebrobasilar arteries was prevalent in 21% of the elderly.• Calcification in the vertebrobasilar arteries was weak to moderately correlated with calcification in other arteries.• Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated with vertebrobasilar artery calcification.• Our findings suggest a different pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis in the posterior-compared to anterior circulation.