Delayed Brain Infarction due to Bilateral Vertebral Artery Occlusion Which Occurred 5 Days after Cervical Trauma

Vertebral artery (VA) injuries usually accompany cervical trauma. Although these injuries are commonly asymptomatic, some result in vertebrobasilar infarction. The symptoms of VA occlusion have been reported to usually manifest within 24 hours after trauma. The symptoms of bilateral VA occlusions seem to be more severe and seem to occur with shorter latencies than those of unilateral occlusions. A 48-year-old man had a C3-4 fracture-dislocation with spinal cord compression that resulted from a traffic accident. After surgery, his initial quadriparesis gradually improved. However, he complained of sudden headache and dizziness on the 5th postoperative day. His motor weakness was abruptly aggravated. Radiologic evaluation revealed an infarction in the occipital lobe and cerebellum. Cerebral angiography revealed complete bilateral VA occlusion. We administered anticoagulation therapy. After 6 months, his weakness had only partially improved. This case demonstrates that delayed infarction due to bilateral VA occlusion can occur at latencies as long as 5 days. Thus, we recommend that patients with cervical traumas that may be accompanied by bilateral VA occlusion should be closely observed for longer than 5 days.     

Usefulness of Intraoperative Monitoring during Microsurgical Decompression of Cervicomedullary Compression Caused by an Anomalous Vertebral Artery

We report a case of cervicomedullary compression by an anomalous vertebral artery treated using microsurgical decompression with intraoperative monitoring. A 68-year-old woman presented with posterior neck pain and gait disturbance. MRI revealed multiple abnormalities, including an anomalous vertebral artery that compressed the spinal cord at the cervicomedullary junction. Suboccipital craniectomy with C1 laminectomy was performed. The spinal cord was found to be compressed by the vertebral arteries, which were retracted dorsolaterally. At that time, the somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) changed. After release of the vertebral artery, the SSEP signal normalized instantly. The vertebral artery was then lifted gently and anchored to the dura. There was no other procedural complication. The patient''s symptoms improved. This case demonstrates that intraoperative monitoring may be useful for preventing procedural complications during spinal cord microsurgical decompression.     

Resolution of Isolated Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy Following Microvascular Decompression of the Intracranial Vertebral Artery

Isolated hypoglossal nerve paresis due to mechanical compression from a vascular lesion is very rare. We present a case of a 32-year-old man who presented with spontaneous abrupt-onset dysarthria, swallowing difficulty and left-sided tongue atrophy. Brain computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem demonstrated an abnormal course of the left vertebral artery compressing the medulla oblongata at the exit zone of the hypoglossal rootlets that was relieved by microvascular decompression of the offending intracranial vertebral artery. This case supports the hypothesis that hypoglossal nerve palsy can be due to nerve stretching and compression by a pulsating normal vertebral artery. Microvascular decompression of the intracranial nerve and careful evaluation of the imaging studies can resolve unexpected isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy.     

Cervical Radiculopathy Caused by Vertebral Artery Loop Formation : A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Vertebral artery loop formation causing encroachment on cervical neural foramen and canal is a rare cause of cervical radiculopathy. We report a case of 61-year-old woman with vertebral artery loop formation who presented with right shoulder pain radiating to her arm for 2 years. Plain radiograph and computed tomography scan revealed widening of the right intervertebral foramen at the C5-6 level. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiogram confirmed the vertebral artery loop formation compressing the right C6 nerve root. We had considered microdecompressive surgery, but the patient''s symptoms resolved after conservative management. Clinician should keep in mind that vertebral artery loop formation is one of important causes of cervical radiculopathy. Vertebral artery should be visualized using magnetic resonance angiography in suspected case.     

Emergent Endovascular Embolization for Iatrogenic Vertebral Artery Injury during Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Injury to the vertebral artery during anterior cervical discectomy is rare but potentially fatal. We report a case of cerebellar infarction after endovascular embolization for iatrogenic vertebral artery injury at C5-C6 during an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. A 61-year-old man had an intraoperative injury of the right vertebral artery that occurred during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-C6. Hemorrhage was not controlled successfully by packing with surgical hemostatic agents. While the patient was still intubated, an emergency angiogram was performed. The patient underwent endovascular occlusion of the right V2 segment with coils. After the procedure, his course was uneventful and he did not show any neurologic deficits. Brain computed tomographic scans taken 3 days after the operation revealed a right cerebellar infarction. Anti-coagulation medication was administered, and at 3-month follow-up examination, he had no neurologic sequelae in spite of the cerebellar infarction.     

Posterior Atlantoaxial Screw-Rod Fixation in a Case of Aberrant Vertebral Artery Course Combined with Bilateral High-Riding Vertebral Artery

We present a case of posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod fixation in a patient with an aberrant vertebral artery (VA) course combined with bilateral high-riding VA. An aberrant VA which courses below the posterior arch of the atlas (C1) that does not pass through the C1 transverse foramen and without an osseous anomaly is rare. However, it is important to consider an abnormal course of the VA both preoperatively and intraoperatively in order to avoid critical vascular injuries in procedures which require exposure or control of the VA, such as the far-lateral approach and spinal operations.     

Vertebral Artery Anomaly Causing C2 Suboccipital Neuralgia,Relieved by Neurovascular Decompression

We report imaging and surgical findings of a symptomatic 40‐year‐old male with an anomalous left vertebral artery. MR, CT myelography, angiography, and intraoperative photos demonstrate the vertebral artery entering the thecal sac at the C1‐C2 intervertebral foramen and compressing the dorsal C2 nerve rootlets against the cord. Open microvascular decompression alleviated the patient's long‐standing suboccipital and posterior cervical neck pain. An embryologic review of the vertebral and lateral spinal artery systems reveals possible developmental explanations for this variant. Intradural course of the vertebral artery at C2 is one of the few symptomatic developmental vertebral artery anomalies. Recognition of this condition is important because surgical intervention can alleviate associated neck pain.     

Anomalous Variations of the Origin and Course of Vertebral Arteries in Patients with Retroesophageal Right Subclavian Artery

We present two rare cases of anomalous vertebral artery (VA) with retroesophageal right subclavian artery. One patient had a right VA arising from the right common carotid artery (CCA), and a left VA originating from the third branch off the aorta. Both VAs ascended anteriorly to the transverse foramen of C5 to C6 vertebra and entered the transverse foramen of C4. The other patient had a right VA arising from the right CCA and entering the transverse foramen of C5. The presence of anomalous variations of the origin and course of vertebral artery might have serious implications in angiographic and surgical procedures, and it is of great importance to be aware of such a possibility.     

症状性双侧椎动脉闭塞侧支代偿与预后分析

【摘要】
目的 探讨症状性双侧椎动脉闭塞患者侧支代偿与临床表现及预后的关系。
方法 本研究采用回顾性研究方法,连续纳入2006年9月～2011年11月首都医科大学附属天坛医院收住的双侧椎动脉闭塞患者共10例,收集患者的临床资料、侧支代偿分级及预后情况,分析侧支代偿与预后的关系。
结果 双侧椎动脉闭塞患者脑梗死发生比例高（6/10）,病情重,预后差（mRS≥3,5/10）。闭塞病变多位于椎动脉V1段起始处（13/20）,其次是V4段（6/20）,V3段（1/20）。侧支代偿不充分组入院时及随访结束时脑梗死所占比例较侧支代偿充分组均较高（2/4 vs 4/6;2/4 vs 5/6）,差异无显著性（P=0.43,P=0.30）。侧支代偿不充分组较代偿充分组入院病情重（mRS≥3者分别为1/4 vs 4/6;NIHSS评分≥4者分别为0/4 vs 1/6;P=0.24,P=0.60）,预后差（mRS≥3者分别为1/4 vs 4/6）,差异无显著性（P=0.24）。
结论 双侧椎动脉闭塞患者发生脑梗死比例高,病情重,预后差。侧支代偿程度可能影响双侧椎动脉闭塞患者的临床表现。     

Atypical Anterior Spinal Artery Infarction due to Left Vertebral Artery Occlusion Presenting with Bilateral Hand Weakness

Background

Infarct of the anterior spinal artery is the most common subtype of spinal cord infarct, and is characterized by bilateral motor deficits with spinothalamic sensory deficits. We experienced a case with atypical anterior-spinal-artery infarct that presented with bilateral hand weakness but without sensory deficits.

Case Report

A 29-year-old man presented with sudden neck pain and bilateral weakness of the hands. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain did not reveal any lesion. His motor symptoms improved rapidly except for mild weakness in his left wrist and fingers. Magnetic resonance angiography showed proximal occlusion of the left vertebral artery; a spine MRI revealed left cervical cord infarction.

Conclusions

Bilateral or unilateral hand weakness can be the sole symptom of a cervical cord infarct.     

青年与老年椎动脉型颈椎病的临床对照研究

目的 分析探讨青、老年椎动脉型颈椎病的临床特点和不同的发病机制。方法 对青年组(58例)、老年组(96例)患者的临床表现、颈椎X线、经颅彩色多普勒超声(TCD)、脑电图(EEG)、治疗及预后进行对比分析。结果 (1)颈椎X线:老年组以椎间隙变窄、骨质增生、软组织钙化为著(P<0.025);青年组以曲度不自然为著(P<0.025)。(2)TCD检查:老年组显示左侧椎动脉的收缩峰期血流速度和基底动脉的平均血流速度明显缓慢(P<0.05),提示有动脉狭窄;青年组的血流速度快,提示有血管痉挛。(3)青年组的治疗和预后明显较老年组好(P<0.005)。(4)两组临床表现和脑电图无明显差异。结论青、老年椎动脉型颈椎病患者发病存在不同的病理机制,应区别对待;青年患者以曲度变直、神经根易激惹、血管痉挛为主,应及时纠正不良工作习惯,减少神经根刺激,老年患者椎间隙狭窄、骨质钙化增生压迫神经,神经根激惹轻,以动脉狭窄为主,治疗效果差,易复发,应采取牵引、理疗等综合治疗。     

Microvascular decompression for intractable singultus

Intractable singultus due to cerebrovascular disease is very rare. We report a case of intractable singultus that improved after microvascular decompression and present a literature review. The patient was a 58-year-old man with a 30-year history of persistent singultus. Its frequency and duration gradually increased and it was resistant to multiple medical treatments. Microvascular decompression to relieve pressure on the anterolateral surface of the lower medulla oblongata from the vertebral artery resulted in the resolution of singultus. Patients with intractable idiopathic singultus who fail to respond to medical therapy need to be considered for the evaluation of cerebrovascular diseases and microvascular decompression.     

椎动脉发育不全与卒中

目的 先天的椎动脉发育不全是一种后循环罕见的胚胎变异。从尸体解剖和血管造影中发现这种先天变异的频率为2%～6%。此研究的目的是阐明椎动脉发育不全在急性脑梗死中的作用。方法 我们收集了195位急性脑梗死患者(年龄57±13岁),并对每位受试者进行脑梗死类型（TOAST分型）的分类及磁共振血管造影（Magnetic Resonance Angiography,MRA）,并于卒中后72h内完成颈动脉超声及椎动脉血流量测量。结果 单侧的先天椎动脉发育不全总的发生率是11.79%;脑干、小脑梗死患者中发生率特别高。先天椎动脉发育不全与TOAST分类“大动脉粥样硬化”子类型相关。结论 基于我们的结果,先天椎动脉发育不全,特别在后循环上的先天椎动脉发育不全似乎是一种脑梗死的加重因素。     

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy due to the Ochronotic Arthropathy of the Cervical Spine

Ochronosis is a musculoskeletal manifestation of alkaptonuria, a rare hereditary metabolic disorder occurs due to the absence of homogentisic acid oxidase and leading to various systemic abnormalities related to deposition of homogentisic acid pigmentation (ochronotic pigmentation). The present case reports the clinical features, radiographic findings, treatments and results of a cervical spondylotic myelopathy woman patient due to the ochronotic arthropathy of the cervical spine. The patient aged 62 years was presented with gait disturbance and hand clumsiness. Physical examination, X-rays, computed tomography and lab results of the urine sample confirmed the presence of ochronosis with the involvement of the cervical spine. The patient underwent a modified cervical laminoplasty due to multi-segment spinal cord compression. The postoperative follow-up showed a good functional outcome with patient satisfaction. The present study concludes the conditions and important diagnostic and surgical aspects of a patient. It is necessary to identify the condition clinically and if cord compression is observed, appropriate surgical interventions needs to be instituted.     

The Comparison of Clinical Findings and Treatment Between Unilateral and Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection

Background: There are limited clinical studies of bilateral vertebral artery dissection (VAD). Objective: To compare the characteristics, imaging findings, and treatments between patients with bilateral and unilateral VAD. Methods: Between February 2007 and May 2017, 31 (mean age: 53.0 years; 23 men, 8 women) out of 171 VAD patients were hospitalized because of bilateral VAD. Onset type, dissection site, dominant side of the VA, imaging features, treatments, and outcomes were investigated based on medical records. The dominant side of the VA was determined by basi-parallel anatomical scanning. Results: Twenty (64.5%) of 31 patients exhibited bilateral VAD on both sides of V4. The dominant side of the VA was right in 16 patients and left in 15 patients. The pearl and string sign (an angiographical finding with both dilatation and stenosis) was frequently observed on the dominant VAD side, while a tapered occlusion and string sign were most common on the nondominant side. For clinical subtype of VAD, 6 (19.4%) patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage, 10 (32.3%) ischemic stroke, 3 (9.7%) infarction plus subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 12 (38.7%) only headache. The frequency of infarction was increased in bilateral VAD compared with unilateral (P < .05). Surgical intervention was performed in 3 cases, while 14 patients received endovascular intervention. Conclusions: Infarction occurred frequently in bilateral VAD patients, and 17 patients required an intervention (mainly endovascular) for VA. The treatment strategy varied depending on the clinical subtype, imaging findings of VAD, and morphology of the dominant VAD side.     

Hemifacial Spasm Caused by Fusiform Aneurysm at Vertebral Artery-Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Junction

Hemifacial spasm induced by intracranial aneurysm is a rare clinical condition. A 45-year-old male patient presented with a 3-year history of progressive involuntary twitching movement on right face. On radiological study, a dilated vascular lesion compressing the brain stem was found at the junction of vertebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery. On operative field, we found the posterior inferior cerebellar artery and the fusiform aneurysm compressing root exit zone of facial nerve. Microvascular decompression was performed and the facial symptom was relieved without complications.     

Vertebral Artery Occlusive Disease: Data from the Angiographically Confirmed Vertebral Artery Disease Registry

Background

We performed this study to identify demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of adult patients with angiographically confirmed vertebral artery occlusive disease (VAOD) and associated risk factors.

椎动脉发育不良的临床现状研究

椎动脉发育不良与椎动脉先天闭塞,特别是在椎动脉的解剖变异中,是一种并不常见的 后循环胚胎变异。大量数据表明在伴或不伴有基底动脉形态变异的情况下,尤其在合并了其他脑血管 危险因素时,后循环缺血的发生与椎动脉发育不良有关。尽管在椎动脉发育不良的定义与评估方法上 仍存在争议,既往的研究通过彩色多普勒超声发现同侧的发育不良的椎动脉净流速降低,而发育正 常的椎动脉净流速代偿性的增加,导致局部血流低灌注,甚至出现临床症状,说明椎动脉发育不良 具有更易于闭塞的特点,并增加了远端血栓形成的概率[1]。此外,椎动脉发育不良可能引发其他复杂 的神经血管疾病如偏头痛、前庭神经元炎、发作性眩晕以及椎动脉夹层等。     

Intravascular Ultrasound to Assess Extracranial Vertebral Artery Restenosis: Case Report

We present a case report of a patient who developed restenosis 5 months after initial stent placement. computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a 70% stenosis, while conventional angiography revealed a 40% stenosis. An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to assess the degree of narrowing along with the mechanism causing the stenosis. IVUS can be utilized to resolve discrepancies between imaging modalities for degree of stenosis and also aid in determining the mechanism of restenosis after stent placement in the extracranial vertebral arteries.