Ischemic Stroke Secondary to a Stab Wound to the Neck in a Young Adult

Vertebral artery dissection is a common cause of stroke in young adults without predisposing risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. We describe the case of a 28-year-old patient who presented with an ischemic stroke secondary to a stab wound to the neck that affected the vertebral artery. A physical examination revealed neurological deterioration (Glasgow 8/15), a sutured neck wound, no palpable hematoma, no thrills, and no active bleeding. A computed tomography angiography revealed a left vertebral artery arteriovenous fistula with a component of a pseudoaneurysm, for which a neurointerventional consultation was carried out. Due to neurological compromise, the airway was secured, and because the case involved a posterior fossa infarction with compression of the fourth ventricle and obstructive secondary hydrocephalus, an external ventricular shunt was inserted by neurosurgery. A fistula occlusion was performed with five Axium coils and a vial of Squid 12; the vertebral artery was catheterized, and a craniotomy was performed to manage hydrocephalus with a 12-mm H₂O collecting system. The patient was discharged on the tenth day after admission with sequelae of left hemiparesis (predominantly brachial) and no other deficits. There was no hemorrhagic transformation on the control computed tomography scans and no further complications.