CT angiography and diffusion-perfusion MR imaging in a patient with ipsilateral reversible cerebral vasoconstriction after carotid endarterectomy

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2007 May;28(5):920-2.

Abstract

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) typically affect the bilateral medium-sized intracerebral arteries and their branches. We describe a woman with RCVS restricted to the ipsilateral hemisphere after carotid endarterectomy. Serial CT angiography proved useful in documenting vasoconstriction. Perfusion MR imaging showed hypoperfusion in the deep watershed regions of the ipsilateral cerebral arteries but relatively normal perfusion in superficial cortical regions. Diffusion MR imaging showed progressive borderzone infarcts. These novel imaging findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of stroke in RCVS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Stenosis / surgery
  • Cerebral Angiography*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology
  • Cerebral Infarction / pathology*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Endarterectomy, Carotid / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Vasoconstriction