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Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting in a patient after
Lex A Mitchell1, Justin G Santarelli, Inder Paul Singh
1Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset thunderclap headache and focal neurologic deficits. Once thought to be a rare syndrome, more advanced non-invasive imaging has led to an increase in RCVS diagnosis. Unilateral vertebral artery dissection has been described in fewer than 40% of cases of RCVS. Bilateral vertebral artery dissection has rarely been reported. We describe the case of a patient with RCVS and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting with an intramedullary infarct treated successfully with medical management and careful close follow-up. This rare coexistence should be recognized as the treatment differs.
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