False-negative diagnostic imaging of Wallenberg's syndrome by diffuse-weighted imaging: a case report and literature review

Neurol Sci. 2018 Sep;39(9):1657-1661. doi: 10.1007/s10072-018-3399-x. Epub 2018 Apr 7.

Abstract

Here, we report a case of a 64-year-old female with acute-onset vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. In an emergency imaging examination, the results of computed tomography (CT) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) were negative. However, on 1 day post-hospital admission, a small acute infarct in the posterolateral aspect of the left medulla was detected by DWI. Extra attention should be payed to the false-negative imaging results to avoid diagnosis and treatment delay.

Keywords: Brain stem infarction; Diffusion weighted imaging; Wallenberg’s syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lateral Medullary Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Medulla Oblongata / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed