Key result
A 46-year-old man with suspected myocardial infarction was diagnosed with vertebral artery dissection using ultrasound Doppler and angiography after developing a severe brain stem syndrome.
Case Report (n=1)
Vertebral artery dissection can present with atypical symptoms mimicking myocardial infarction, emphasizing the importance of considering vascular etiologies and utilizing noninvasive imaging.
May mimic MI with brainstem signs; hypothesis-generating case leaves open need for prospective diagnostic studies.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertebral and carotid artery dissections may present with very different signs and symptoms, making early recognition difficult. However, diagnosis should be established as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary diagnostic investigations and to institute adequate treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 46-year-old man presented with severe intermittent pain of his left upper arm and general discomfort. During extensive cardiological evaluation for suspected myocardial infarction, a severe brain stem syndrome occurred. Ultrasound Doppler studies detected vertebral artery dissection, which was confirmed by angiography. CONCLUSIONS: The unusual initial presentation of vertebral artery dissection delayed an early diagnosis and adequate treatment. Because noninvasive methods are available today, their applications are recommended in similarly uncharacteristic circumstances.
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Linden et al. (1992) conducted a case report in Vertebral artery dissection mimicking myocardial infarction (n=1). Ultrasound Doppler studies and angiography was evaluated on Diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection. A 46-year-old man with suspected myocardial infarction was diagnosed with vertebral artery dissection using ultrasound Doppler and angiography after developing a severe brain stem syndrome.
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