Abstract
Vertebral artery (VA) stump syndrome is a condition characterized by ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation caused by thrombi originating from occluded VA. Case: A 70-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with dizziness and dysarthria, score 4 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Brain MRI revealed multiple embolic infarctions in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, and MRA showed poor delineation of the bilateral VA and basilar artery. Duplex ultrasonography demonstrated an antegrade flow pattern despite proximal occlusion of bilateral VAs. A delayed systolic upstroke flow was observed in the left VA, and collateral flow at the C5 level of the bilateral VA was detected. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with VA stump syndrome. Abnormal duplex flow patterns associated with VA stump syndrome has been previously reported. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, as VA stump syndrome has a high risk of recurrence. This case highlights the importance of skilled carotid ultrasonography in accurately diagnosing VA stump syndrome.
