[Vertebrobasilar ischemia as a complication of temporal arteritis. Results of a prospective, clinical, ultrasonographic study].
BACKGROUND
Cerebral symptoms in temporal arteritis (TA) may occur if large arteries are affected. To avoid progression of the disease, the immediate administration of adequate doses of steroids is mandatory.


OBJECTIVE
The prevalence and severity of vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI) and its relation to structural abnormalities of the vertebral arteries were studied.


METHODS
Clinical and ultrasound data were analyzed in a hospital-based group of 91 patients who received the diagnosis of TA following standard criteria.


RESULTS
In contrast to the occurrence of neuro-ophthalmological complications (27.5%), the rate of VBI was low (4.4%). TIA occurred in three cases and mild stroke in one. Ultrasound demonstrated severe occlusive disease of the extradural parts of the vertebrobasilar arteries consisting of hypoechogenic, concentric, mural thickening. The same was found in the superficial temporal arteries.


CONCLUSIONS
In elderly patients presenting with VBI, TA affecting the vertebral arteries should be considered. In experienced hands, ultrasonography allows the atraumatic preliminary diagnosis of TA.
Pfadenhauer
K
K
Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum Augsburg. karl.pfadenhauer@neurologie.augsburg-med.de
Esser
M
M
Weber
H
H
Wölfle
K D
KD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015984:Causality; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*