Basilar artery thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia treated conservatively: a therapeutic success

Authors

  • Deepak Sharma Department of Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Virendra Atam Department of Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Avirup Majumdar Department of Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Mohammed Hashim Department of Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20203132

Keywords:

Basilar infarct, Basilar stroke, Hyperhomocysteinemia, Posterior circulation stroke, Young stroke

Abstract

Basilar artery thrombosis is a rare and potentially fatal cause of posterior circulation stroke. Among the various etiologies, hyperhomocysteinemia is crucial and often under diagnosed, especially in developing countries. Authors describe the case of a 15-year male who presented with 1-day history of headache, vomiting and altered mental status. Non-contrast CT Head revealed multiple acute infarcts in posterior circulation of brain. Laboratory investigations revealed hyperhomocysteinemia. Contrast enhanced MRI Brain showed acute infarcts in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, pons, midbrain, medulla and vermis. MR venography was suggestive of Basilar Artery thrombosis. Thrombolysis was not done due to delayed presentation; hence authors resorted to conservative management with folic acid and vitamin B supplementation. The patient showed gradual clinical improvement and had complete clinical recovery during follow up visit. A favorable outcome with conservative management of basilar artery thrombosis is rarely reported in literature.

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Published

2020-07-21

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Section

Case Reports