Ischemic Stroke Due to Spontaneous Dissection of the Brachiocephalic to the Common Carotid Artery with a Fatal Course after Expansion to the Ascending Aorta

Intern Med. 2022 Aug 15;61(16):2483-2487. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8931-21. Epub 2022 Feb 1.

Abstract

Spontaneous dissection of the brachiocephalic artery is rare, and there is insufficient evidence for optimal treatment. We herein report a case of ischemic stroke due to spontaneous dissection of the brachiocephalic to the right common carotid artery. The patient was treated medically but died suddenly 18 days after the onset because of aortic dissection. Although almost all reported cases of spontaneous dissection of the brachiocephalic artery have had good outcomes with medical management, it is important to note that sudden development of aortic dissection might occur, even without initial findings suggestive of this condition.

Keywords: aortic dissection; brachiocephalic artery dissection; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta
  • Aortic Dissection* / complications
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brachiocephalic Trunk / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke*