[Acute vertigo caused by ischemia of the postero-inferior cerebellar artery or PICA. Apropos of 2 cases].
Based on two cases and a review of the recent literature, we would like to draw attention to the fact that a cerebellar infarction, localised to the territory of the PICA, can present with just a single clinical feature-acute rotary vertigo. Cerebellar vascular accidents remain a little known cause of acute vertigo, often masquerading as a peripheral vestibular disturbance. The main differential diagnosis is vestibular neuronitis. The prognosis is usually good, but the risk of a late recurrence or of a further cerebro-vascular episode is difficult to predict. This uncommon aetiology should not be ignored because of the risk of progression towards a sort of pseudo-tumoral infarct, in which the risk of a fatal outcome remains ever present. In most cases, however, sequelae are few or absent.
Duclos
J Y
JY
C.H.U. Pellegrin, Clinique Universitaire O.R.L., Bordeaux, France.
Darrouzet
V
V
Loiseau
H
H
Chambrin
A
A
Boussens
J
J
Bébéar
J P
JP
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology*