Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Vertebral artery dissection complicated by basilar artery occlusion
Chia-Yin Kuan1, Kun-Long Hung2
1Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Pediatrics and Neonatology
|April 20, 2013
Summary
Traumatic vertebral artery dissection (VAD) can cause acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) in children, even after minor incidents. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for young patients experiencing stroke-like symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Stroke
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) is a rare but life-threatening condition.
- Traumatic vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a leading cause of ABAO in pediatric patients.
- Subtle trauma can precipitate VAD and subsequent ABAO.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with severe neurological deficits following a fight.
- Clinical symptoms included nausea, vomiting, and altered consciousness.
- Imaging confirmed total basilar artery occlusion and VAD.
Findings:
- The patient's VAD and ABAO were linked to a fight, without direct head trauma.
- Diagnosis was delayed due to non-specific symptoms and rarity of the condition.
- VAD affected the third to fourth segments of the vertebral artery.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering VAD in young patients with brainstem stroke symptoms.
- Emphasizes the need for increased awareness of ABAO and its subtle triggers.
- Suggests that a detailed history of minor precipitating events is vital for diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:10The Arch of Aorta
The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...