'Diagnostic anchoring' and a delayed diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 May 15;16(5):e252540. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-252540.

Abstract

We present a case of a woman in her 60s with acute left hemispheric ischaemic stroke syndrome due to tandem occlusions of the proximal left internal carotid artery and left middle cerebral artery. This was treated with emergent carotid artery stenting and endovascular clot retrieval. The patient made a complete recovery and was discharged home only to represent a few days later with focal neurological symptoms, profound headache and labile blood pressure. The diagnostic and management challenges of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, including imaging assessment and the importance of avoiding 'diagnostic anchoring' are discussed.

Keywords: Headache (including migraines); Interventional radiology; Neuroimaging; Radiology; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia*
  • Carotid Stenosis*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Stents
  • Stroke* / diagnosis
  • Vasoconstriction