Open AccessBasi‐parallel anatomical scanning–magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome of the basilar artery: a case report
Author(s) -
Yamamoto Akitaka,
Omori Yukinari,
Shindo Akihiro,
Imai Hiroshi,
Suzuki Hidenori
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acute medicine and surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2052-8817
DOI - 10.1002/ams2.300
Subject(s) - medicine , basilar artery , magnetic resonance imaging , magnetic resonance angiography , headaches , radiology , reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome , stenosis , cerebral arteries , surgery
Case Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is an increasingly recognized and important cause of thunderclap headache. Delays in diagnosis may cause deterioration of symptoms and concomitant unnecessary investigations. However, the diagnosis of RCVS in the acute stage remains difficult. A 41‐year‐old man was admitted to the emergency department for severe, recurrent occipital headaches. The results of initial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed multisegmental luminal stenosis of the basilar artery. Basi‐parallel anatomical scanning (BPAS)‐MRI, illustrating the outer contour of the vertebrobasilar artery, also showed multisegmental stenosis. Outcome The patient was speculated as having RCVS and was treated with oral lomerizine hydrochloride. Repeat MRA and BPAS‐MRI 2 months later showed resolution, confirming RCVS. Conclusion Combined with MRA, BPAS‐MRI is an effective and non‐invasive imaging method for diagnosis of RCVS of the basilar artery.