Progressive stroke in pontine infarction.
OBJECTIVE
The pathogenesis of isolated pontine infarctions is still unclear, being attributed both to small or large vessel disease. The extension of infarcted tissue to the pons surface has been indicated as a possible marker of basilar branch atheromatous disease and some neuroimaging evidence confirms this finding.


METHODS
On the basis of Kim's et al., study, we performed a revision of the literature addressing this topic.


RESULTS
Several authors confirm an association between basilar artery branch disease and isolated pontine infarction; moreover, the enlargement of pontine lesion seems to be associated with neurological worsening. We therefore performed a brief analysis of possible mechanisms of progression.


CONCLUSIONS
Prospective studies could be useful to evaluate predictors of neurological worsening in pontine stroke. Improvement of neuroimaging techniques is needed for a deeper comprehension of the etiopathogenesis of isolated pontine infarction.
Saia
V
V
Pantoni
L
L
D020526:Brain Stem Infarctions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D011149:Pons / Q000473:pathology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*