Evolution of dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar system as evidenced by serial computed tomography

A case of dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar system and carotid arteries is presented. Features considered unique to this case include recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia after a standard surgical procedure, presumably caused by rapidly progressing dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar arteries, and progressive calcification and ventriculomegaly over the course of one and a half years, shown on sequential computed tomographic (CT) scans. Dolichoectasia is discussed briefly as a clinical entity and its characteristic CT scan findings are reviewed.