Posterior fossa ischemia and bilateral vertebral artery hypoplasia.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss cerebellar infarct in a patient with bilateral hypoplasia of the vertebral arteries.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 67-year-old woman suffered neck pain and headaches immediately after a minor motor vehicle accident. Fracture and dislocation were radiographically ruled out. Within a few days, the patient began to experience symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. Computed tomography scanning of the brain revealed a cerebellar infarct, and an angiogram of the vertebral arteries demonstrated bilateral hypoplasia.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The cerebellar infarct created mild, stable symptoms, and the patient was monitored closely in a hospital setting until the risk of possible complications was negligible. After an uncomplicated and full recovery, the patient was given recommendations regarding critical neck positions to decrease the potential for further ischemic events.

CONCLUSION

Cerebellar infarcts are rare and may be associated with rare vascular anomalies.