CT angiography in the diagnosis of spontaneous extracerebral vertebral artery dissection

Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection is an underrecognised cause of cerebral ischaemia, most often seen in young adult patients. For this diagnosis cerebral angiography is the most sensitive and specific method. We describe a 30-year-old, male, with cerebellar stroke, in whom spontaneous vertebral artery dissection was diagnosed. Our diagnosis was confirmed by cerebral angiography and CT angiography. In our case anticoagulation (in acute phase) was introduced subcutaneously and later continued orally. The outcome was very good with complete remission. CT angiography seems to be a promising non-invasive method for the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection. The prognosis in the patient with this diagnosis is relatively good (if managed properly), but the disease must always be treated as serious and life-threatening.