Work

A synovial cyst-induced vertebral artery dissection in bow hunter's stroke: illustrative case.

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bow hunter's stroke (BHS) is a rare condition characterized by occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA) due to a head rotation. BHS typically results from neck hyperrotation, often due to anatomical factors. The authors present a case of BHS in a young male patient exacerbated by os odontoideum (OD), resulting in atlantoaxial dislocation, which ultimately led to VA dissection. OBSERVATIONS: A man in his 20s presented with persistent dizziness and nausea and initially received a diagnosis of a brain infarction. However, imaging revealed VA dissection caused by an OD with an associated synovial cyst. Surgical intervention, specifically atlantoaxial posterior fixation, resolved the instability and allowed for natural regression of the synovial cysts, preventing further vascular events. In this case, the OD with atlantoaxial dislocation was identified as the causative factor for BHS. The coexistence of a synovial cyst was a unique finding, likely triggered by chronic irritation caused by the OD. LESSONS: This case emphasizes the importance of thorough cervical spinal evaluation in young patients presenting with posterior circulation stroke. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2487.

Source: PubMed Central

DOI: 10.3171/case2487

Authors: Masahito Yamashita, Hideki Hayashi, Kazushi Kitamura, Ryota Ishibashi, Hiroki Toda

Institution: Kitano Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cerebrovascular and Carotid Artery Diseases

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4401558368