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Infection-associated cervical artery dissection. Three cases
A J Grau1, T Brandt, M Forsting
1Neurology Department, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Background:
The pathogenesis of cervical artery dissection remains unknown. Infection-mediated damage of the arterial wall may be one contributing mechanism. We present three male patients with respiratory infection prior to cervical artery dissection.
Case Descriptions:
Case 1: During an upper respiratory tract infection, a 49-year-old patient developed bilateral carotid and vertebral artery dissection with complete vessel restitution. Case 2: Within 3 years, a 40-year-old patient experienced two episodes of bilateral internal carotid artery dissection, both preceded by febrile upper respiratory tract infection. Case 3: A 52-year-old patient developed right-sided and, 2 years later, left-sided internal carotid artery dissection, each following upper respiratory tract infection.
Conclusions:
Infection may be a trigger factor in the pathogenesis of cervical artery dissection.