Clinical Experiences of Unruptured Vertebral Artery Dissection.
10.13004/kjnt.2013.9.2.69
- Author:
Ji Sang KIM
1
;
Jin Hwan CHEONG
;
Sang Kook LEE
;
Jae Min KIM
;
Choong Hyun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Guri Hospital, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Guri, Korea. cjh2324@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Vertebral artery dissection;
Subarachnoid hemorrhage;
Dissecting aneurysm
- MeSH:
Aneurysm;
Aneurysm, Dissecting;
Angiography;
Anticoagulants;
Fatal Outcome;
Follow-Up Studies;
Headache;
Humans;
Ischemia;
Magnetic Resonance Angiography;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Medical Records;
Mortality;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors;
Retrospective Studies;
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage;
Vertebral Artery Dissection*;
Vertebral Artery*;
Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
- From:Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
2013;9(2):69-73
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The natural course of unruptured vertebral artery dissection remains unclear. The clinical manifestation of unruptured vertebral artery dissection varies from headache, focal neurologic deficits caused by ischemia to subarachnoid hemorrhage with high mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical course of unruptured vertebral artery dissection. METHODS: From March 2011 to April 2013, 7 patients with headache or nuchal pain by spontaneous vertebral artery dissection visited our institute were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical data was obtained by medical records and radiologic studies including computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: No patient experienced fatal outcome by subarachnoid hemorrhage or vertebrobasilar ischemia during follow-up period. Radiologic studies also did not show the evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage or vertebrobasilar ischemia. Follow-up angiography showed the decreased size or disappearance of aneurysm in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the natural course of unruptured vertebral artery dissection is not aggressive. Patients with unruptured vertebral artery dissection could be managed with conservative treatment including anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents.
