Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection: report of 16 cases

background and objectives: Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (sVAD) is a rare condition and can potentially cause a stroke, particularly in young to middle-aged people.

The clinical manifestations, medical imaging characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of 16 patients with sVAD were analyzed.

None of the 16 patients had a history of head or neck trauma. The most common clinical manifestation was headache with symptoms of posterior-circulation ischemia (63%). Diagnosis of VAD was definitive in one patient at autopsy, and in the remaining it was established by magnetic resonance angiography, computer tomography angiography, or digital subtraction angiography. Treatment modalities included: thrombolysis with urokinase (1), antiplatelet therapy (6), and endovascular stenting (9). There was one death and the remaining 15 patients were followed up for 3-48 months and did not have recurrence of cerebral events.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of sVAD and proper treatment are crucial for good outcomes. This study shows that antiplatelet therapy and endovascular treatment are effective treatments for sVAD.