Can MRI detect vertebral artery dissection?

On T1-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI images, intraluminal vertebral artery haematomas can be detected, and the pearl-and-string and the double lumen signs are characteristic MRA findings of vertebral artery dissection [33–36].

How is vertebral artery dissection detected?

CTA, MRI and catheter angiography can all be used to detect vertebral artery dissection, and each has pros and cons.

How do you treat a vertebral artery dissection?

The two main treatments involve medication: anticoagulation (using heparin and warfarin) and antiplatelet drugs (usually aspirin). More rarely, thrombolysis (medication that dissolves blood clots) may be administered, and occasionally obstruction may be treated with angioplasty and stenting.

Can MRI detect carotid artery dissection?

Carotid artery dissection can be identified by a variety of different imaging modalities including computed tomographic angiography (CTA), MRI, carotid duplex imaging (CDI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

How is vertebral artery dissection diagnosed?

Computed tomography (CT) scanning – Identifies subarachnoid hemorrhage ; CT angiography (CTA), along with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), are the imaging modalities of choice for vertebral artery dissections; however, CTA is less accurate in the presence of calcified arteries.

What is the treatment for vertebral artery dissection?

First-line treatment for cervical artery dissection usually is antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin) or anti-coagulation to prevent the formation of blood clots. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel may used alone or in combination.

How common is vertebral artery dissection?

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is one of the most common identifiable causes of stroke in those aged 18-45,1 with an estimated annual incidence between 1 and 1.5 per 100,000.

Can vertebral artery dissection heal itself?

Most dissections of the vertebral arteries heal spontaneously and especially, extracranial VADs generally carry a good prognosis.

What causes vertebral artery dissection?

Vertebral dissection may occur after physical trauma to the neck, such as a blunt injury (e.g. traffic collision), or strangulation, or after sudden neck movements, i.e. coughing, but may also happen spontaneously. 1–4% of spontaneous cases have a clear underlying connective tissue disorder affecting the blood vessels.

Is vertebral artery dissection fatal?

In one clinical follow-up study, 80% achieved a full recovery. Death is typically secondary to extensive intracranial dissection, brainstem infarction, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. The goal of management is to prevent stroke, which is the complication of vertebral artery dissection.

How long can you live with vertebral artery dissection?

For patients who do survive the initial acute extracranial dissection, the prognosis is good with complete recovery in nearly 80-90% of patients. However, at least 10% will develop recurrent attacks, a major stroke, or death.

Can you survive a vertebral artery dissection?

When should you suspect vertebral artery dissection?

Vertebral artery dissection Specifically ask about double vision or visual field cuts. The presence of either of these should raise the concern for neurologic deficits. Most, but not all, patients with vertebral artery dissection have a headache. Headache is severe, unilateral, and often posterior-occipital.

Can stress cause vertebral artery dissection?

Dissections are usually preceded by trauma or mechanical stress; the vascular stressor may be trivial as this condition has been described in association with manipulation and stretching the neck. Here we describe a case of vertebral artery dissection and stroke following esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Is vertebral artery dissection a disability?

A Failure to Diagnose a Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) Can Lead to a Stroke, Permanent Brain Damage, and Usually Disability or Death to a Child.

What causes arterial dissection?

Arterial dissection can occur as a result of head or neck trauma (either serious or minor), but sometimes it has no identifiable cause. Certain medical conditions, such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, coarctation of the aorta and inflammatory disorders can weaken the blood vessel walls,…

What are common symptoms of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Headache

What are causes of carotid artery dissection?

Hyperextension of the neck from turning of the head is a common cause of carotid dissection, as the action can stretch the internal carotid artery over the spinal vertebrae. Other traumatic causes include chiropractic manipulation, attempted strangulation and cerebral angiography.

Where does dissection of the internal carotid artery occur?

Most dissections of the carotid artery occur outside the cranium. The intracranial part of the internal carotid artery is not very mobile and the skull is able to withstand the damage in most cases of trauma.