Concurrence of multiple sclerosis and vascular malformation of the brainstem: case report

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. In most of cases, the disease follows a relapsing-remitting pattern. Vascular malformations are described in differential diagnosis of MS because of the similarity of clinical presentation, especially when hemodynamic changes resemble the relapsing-remitting course of MS. Advances in diagnostic procedures, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of neural axis and cerebral angiography have facilitated differential diagnosis between these two entities. However, simultaneous occurrence of asymptomatic vascular malformations and MS is rare. We present a case report of a patient with these two entities, i.e. MS diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings, supporting evidence from laboratory tests and MRI, and basilar artery aneurysm.