An enlightening experience of dealing a pediatric Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia (VBDE)

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBDE) is a rare condition characterized by elongation, dilation, and tortuosity of the vertebral and basilar arteries, typically seen in adults with hypertension or connective tissue disorders. Pediatric cases of VBDE are exceptionally rare, and its diagnosis and treatment in children present unique challenges. We report the case of a 14-year-old male who presented with a three-year history of intermittent headaches, slurred speech, and new-onset bilateral deafness, among other cranial nerve deficits. Both magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a significantly dilated and tortuous basilar artery, with compression of the brainstem and cerebellum, consistent with VBDE. The patient underwent a right vertebral artery (V3) to superior cerebellar artery (SCA) bypass with interposition grafting from the left radial artery and clip occlusion of the V3 of the right vertebral artery. Postoperatively, the patient experienced some improvement in his ataxia and facial palsy, though his bilateral deafness remained. This case is notable for the successful surgical intervention in a pediatric patient, demonstrating that early surgical management can potentially alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression in younger individuals. This report contributes to the limited literature on VBDE in pediatric patients, underscoring the importance of considering VBDE as a differential diagnosis in children with unexplained cranial nerve deficits or brainstem compression. The case also highlights the complexity of surgical management and the potential for positive outcomes in pediatric patients compared to adults, where the disease often carries a poor prognosis.