Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare condition characterized by dilated and tortuous basilar and/or vertebral arteries. It can be asymptomatic or present as an ischemic stroke, hemorrhage, brainstem/cranial nerve compression, or hydrocephalus. We present a case of a 51‐year old woman with a history of transient ischemic attack who presented with persistent vertigo and left‐sided weakness and numbness for multiple days. Physical exam was remarkable for the findings of central vertigo and left‐sided impairment in sensation and strength. While computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging were unremarkable, CT angiography showed a tortuous and dilated basilar artery to 4.9 mm, likely the underlying cause of her symptoms. She was continued on her home aspirin, clopidogrel, and high‐intensity atorvastatin and started on meclizine for symptomatic management of vertigo. Although rare, VBD should remain on the differential diagnosis for a variety of patient presentations, especially given its poor prognosis in symptomatic patients.
Parikh et al. (Thu,) studied this question.