Vertebral artery dissection and posterior stroke in a child.

Vertebral artery dissection is a relatively rare disease. Its symptoms and signs can be misleading, making the diagnosis, even with imaging assistance, difficult. We describe an 8-year-old boy in whom a brain tumor was suspected because of neurological signs and findings on computerized tomography of the brain. The differential diagnosis was broadened with further imaging evaluation. Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated vertebral artery dissection, which was attributed to a trivial trauma the child had experienced 1 week before presentation. During the follow-up period, the child recovered, except for residual right hemianopsia.