Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome with Multivessel Cervical Artery Dissections and a Double Aortic Arch Journal Article


Authors: Nouh, A; Ruland, S; Schneck, M. J.; Pasquale, D.; Biller, J
Article Title: Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome with Multivessel Cervical Artery Dissections and a Double Aortic Arch
Abstract: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) has been associated with exposure to vasoactive substances and few reports with cervical arterial dissections (CADs). We evaluated a 32-year-old woman with history of depression, migraines without aura, and cannabis use who presented with a thunderclap headache unresponsive to triptans. She was found to have bilateral occipital infarcts, bilateral extracranial vertebral artery dissections, bilateral internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysms, and extensive distal multifocal segmental narrowing of the anterior and posterior intracranial circulation with a "sausage on a string-like appearance" suggestive of RCVS. Subsequently, she was found to have a distal thrombus of the basilar artery, was anticoagulated, and discharged home with no residual deficits. We highlight the potential association of CADs and RCVS. The association of RCVS and a double aortic arch has not been previously reported.
Journal Title: Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
Volume: 23
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1532-8511; 1052-3057
Publisher: Elsevier Inc  
Date Published: 2013
Start Page: e141
End Page: 3
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:
Notes: CI: Copyright (c) 2013; JID: 9111633; OTO: NOTNLM; 2013/08/06 [received]; 2013/08/20 [revised]; 2013/08/21 [accepted]; aheadofprint