title: Dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysm originating from atherosclerosis: an autopsy case.
abstract: We herein report an unusual case of profound brain infarction of the posterior circulation due to a dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysm (DVDA) originating from atherosclerosis. On autopsy, diffuse atherosclerosis was observed with a multi-fusiform aneurysm measuring 1 to 2 cm in diameter ranging from the left vertebral artery to the basilar artery. The microscopic findings of the aneurysm revealed severe stenosis of the artery caused by intimal thickening, intimal flap formation and thrombosis, indicating the presence of a dissecting aneurysm originating from atherosclerosis. The DVDA observed in this case was considered to be slowly progressive and associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The etiology of structural destabilization in patients with DVDA involves rupture of the internal elastic lamina, which is dislodged by massive hematomas that form atheromatous lesions.
authors: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nephrology, and Neurology, University of Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. kisaneurology@gmail.com
authors: Katsunori
authors: K
authors: Isa
authors: Hirokuni
authors: H
authors: Sakima
authors: Noritake
authors: N
authors: Kosuge
authors: Kazuhito
authors: K
authors: Kokuba
authors: Yoshino
authors: Y
authors: Goya
authors: Koh
authors: K
authors: Nakachi
authors: Satoshi
authors: S
authors: Ishihara
authors: Takashi
authors: T
authors: Tokashiki
authors: Yusuke
authors: Y
authors: Ohya
authors: Masanao
authors: M
authors: Saio
mesh_terms: D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D001344:Autopsy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*