Compression of the Vertebral Artery by the Thyroid Cartilage Causing Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

Abstract

Background: This retrospective case report describes a rare presentation of VBI in a young male patient.

Aims: Share a rare cause of VBI in a young patient.

Materials & methods: The patient presented with recurrent episodes of dizziness and a history of several cerebellar infarcts. Imaging revealed the right vertebral artery was being mechanically compressed by the right superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage during mouth opening. Surgical resection of the right superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage was performed.

Results: Intraoperative angiography revealed a right vertebral artery without compression during mouth opening.

Discussion: Clinicians should consider the thyroid cartilage as a potential source of recurrent VBI due to mechanical compression of the VA.

Conclusion: Resection of the causative portion of the thyroid cartilage resolved the compression in this case, and should be employed in similar cases. Laryngoscope, 133:1214-1217, 2023.

Keywords: Bow Hunter's syndrome; thyroid cartilage; vertebral artery compression; vertebrobasilar insufficiency.