Vertebral artery thrombosis in a 7-year-old child

We present the case history of a 7-year-old boy who was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a county hospital with symptoms of facial palsy, progrediating ataxia and somnolence. Contrast-enhanced angiographic MR images of the skull revealed acute ischemic lesions and suggested stenosis of the left vertebral artery, then it was confirmed by TOF (time of flight) angiography of vessels of the neck and cervical ultrasound examination. The arterial thrombus causing ischaemia was eliminated by drug treatment and the rehabilitation process could be started. The patient's condition improved considerably following that. Deterioration in behavioral and attentional problems of the patient, which had been realised months prior to hospitalisation, raises the possibility of earlier ischemic periods. The etiology of strokes affecting the posterior circulatory system has been described with different backgrounds. In the presented case, a developmental disorder - bow hunter's syndrome seems to be the most likely one. The result of dynamic cervical ultrasound examination also supported this theory. Treatment of vertebral artery thrombosis with endovascular methods may also be considered within a time interval. However, to make it feasible, it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible by appropriate imaging studies, and to transfer the patient to a specialised center. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(47): 1902-1907.PMID:34801980 | DOI:10.1556/650.2021.32281
Source: Orvosi Hetilap - Category: General Medicine Authors: Source Type: research