Conservative management of asymptomatic vertebral artery stent fracture with fragment embolisation to V3 segment: a case report

Introduction Stent fracture represents a recognised but rare complication tied to vertebral artery origin stenting. Methods We present a male who was diagnosed with left vertebral artery origin stenosis due to vertigo and diplopia, and who was deployed with a rapamycin-eluting stent. One-year follow-up computed tomography angiography demonstrated mid-stent fracture with distal fragment migration into the V3 segment, but the patient was asymptomatic and managed medically with close surveillance. Results This case elucidates that rapamycin-eluting stents are an effective treatment for stenosis at the vertebral artery origin. Discussions In rare instances involving complete stent fracture and migration of distal debris, conservative management may be a feasible option for asymptomatic patients.