Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting in a patient after cesarean section

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jan 24:2013:bcr2012010521. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-010521.

Abstract

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset thunderclap headache and focal neurologic deficits. Once thought to be a rare syndrome, more advanced non-invasive imaging has led to an increase in RCVS diagnosis. Unilateral vertebral artery dissection has been described in fewer than 40% of cases of RCVS. Bilateral vertebral artery dissection has rarely been reported. We describe the case of a patient with RCVS and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting with an intramedullary infarct treated successfully with medical management and careful close follow-up. This rare coexistence should be recognized as the treatment differs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspirin
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cesarean Section*
  • Clopidogrel
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Syndrome
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vasoconstriction*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / complications*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / diagnosis*
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection / complications*
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Clopidogrel
  • Ticlopidine
  • Aspirin