Thyroid Cartilage Compression Causing Bow Hunter's Syndrome

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2023 Jan;132(1):105-109. doi: 10.1177/00034894221077477. Epub 2022 Feb 12.

Abstract

Objectives and methods: We report a unique case of Bow Hunter's syndrome with a dominant aberrantly coursing right vertebral artery (VA), presenting with persistent dizziness and syncope despite previous decompressive surgery at vertebral levels C5-C6.

Results: Re-evaluation with computed tomography-scan during provocation of dizziness by neck rotation revealed compression of the right VA at level C6 from against the ipsilateral posterior border and superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage. Laryngoplasty resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion: This extremely rare cause of Bow's Hunter's syndrome should be considered, especially in refractory cases after neurosurgical decompression, and surgical management is straightforward and successful.

Keywords: Bow Hunter’s syndrome; laryngoplasty; thyroid cartilage; vertebral artery compression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dizziness / complications
  • Humans
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis II* / complications
  • Neck Injuries* / complications
  • Spinal Fractures*
  • Thyroid Cartilage / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Cartilage / surgery
  • Vertebral Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Vertebral Artery / surgery
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency* / diagnosis
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency* / diagnostic imaging