Diagnostic importance of phenotypic features of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia in spondylogenic vertebro-basilar insufficiency

Abstract

Background: The circulatory insufficiency in the vertebrobasilar system is significantly influenced by the spondylogenic mechanism. To understand the degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, an assessment of the connective tissue’s condition is required. The primary contributor to pathological conditions of connective tissue is undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD). Aim: To assess the predictive importance of constitutional-biological markers (CBM) of UCTD in patients with spondylogenic vertebro-basilar insufficiency. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out using the results of a comprehensive clinical and anamnestic examination of young patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The study focused on investigating the main characteristics of CBM by comparing two groups of patients: one group with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n = 136) and a control group without vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n = 136). The distribution of individual factors was analyzed using evidence-based medicine, modern clinical-statistical analysis methods such as variance and correlation analysis, as well as prognosis methods like serial analysis of Wald in modification of E.V Gubler to determine the diagnostic (I2, bit) and predictive value and impact factors of the different markers. Results: The most significant CBM for UCTD were found to be presence of structural imbalance, scoliosis or kyphosis of the cervical spine, flatfoot, and vision impairments. Conclusion: This study suggests that the diagnostic and prognostic value of CBM for UCTD is crucial in establishing a system of diagnostic and prognostic algorithms for evaluating the risk of developing vertebrobasilar insufficiency (SVBI).