Reconstructive embolization for contralateral vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm that developed after internal trapping of ruptured vertebral artery dissection: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: It is not well-known that contralateral vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADA) may be newly revealed after parental artery occlusion for unilateral VADA. However, the optimal treatment strategies and perioperative management have not been established. In this report, we present the case of a patient who required reconstructive embolization in the subacute stage for contralateral VADA developed after endovascular internal trapping of the ruptured VADA. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old man developed subsequent disturbance of consciousness. Head CT showed a diffuse and symmetrical SAH. 3DCT revealed a fusiform aneurysm of the left intracranial vertebral artery with bleb formation. We performed emergency endovascular parent artery occlusion of the left vertebral artery. A digital subtraction angiography on postoperative day 16 showed continued occlusion of the left VA, and a fusiform aneurysm was noted at the right VA. We performed reconstructive embolization and the patient eventually recovered with minimal persistent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Since the outcomes of contralateral VAD complicated by infarction or hemorrhage are poor, and most cases develop within 7–14 days after endovascular internal trapping for unilateral VAD, performing bilateral radiographic reinspection within this time frame is recommended for early detection and preventive treatment of possible contralateral VADs.