title: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting in a patient after cesarean section.
abstract: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset thunderclap headache and focal neurologic deficits. Once thought to be a rare syndrome, more advanced non-invasive imaging has led to an increase in RCVS diagnosis. Unilateral vertebral artery dissection has been described in fewer than 40% of cases of RCVS. Bilateral vertebral artery dissection has rarely been reported. We describe the case of a patient with RCVS and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting with an intramedullary infarct treated successfully with medical management and careful close follow-up. This rare coexistence should be recognized as the treatment differs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California, USA.
authors.forename: Lex A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Justin G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Santarelli
authors.forename: Inder Paul
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Huy M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Do
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D020301:Vasospasm, Intracranial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D020217:Vertebral Artery Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Blood Flow; Dissection; Stroke