Original Paper

Fibromuscular Dysplasia May Herald Symptomatic Recurrence of Cervical Artery Dissection
J.M. de Bray^a, G. Marc^a, V. Pautot^a, B. Vielle^b, A. Pasco^c, P. Lhoste^c, F. Dubas^a

Departments of
^aNeurology,
^bBiostatistics and
^cRadiology, University Hospital Angers, Angers, France

Address of Corresponding Author

Cerebrovasc Dis 2007;23:448-452 (DOI: 10.1159/000101470)

  Key Words

• Cervical artery dissection, prognosis
• Intra-arterial angiography
• Fibromuscular dysplasia
• Recurrent strokes

  Abstract

Background: The prevalence of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) in patients with cervical artery dissection (CAD) is unknown. Our objectives were to assess the risk of CAD recurring as a stroke or a transient ischemic attack and the association of these events with FMD. Methods: We prospectively included and followed 103 consecutive patients who had been admitted for a CAD. The median follow-up was 4 years (range 4 months to 10 years). The main criteria for inclusion were a mural hematoma demonstrated by cervical magnetic resonance imaging and/or signs suggesting CAD on 2 other investigations. FMD was diagnosed on the so-called string of beads pattern by digital subtraction angiography. Results: Five patients had CAD recurrence (60% occurred late). Four of these 5 patients had FMD. In 4 patients, CAD recurrence involved another cervical artery. Conclusion: The rate of symptomatic CAD recurrence was 1% per year and was often related to FMD.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

J.M. de Bray
Department of Neurology
Larrey - CHU
FR-49933 Angers Cedex 9 (France)
Tel. +33 2 41 35 53 96, Fax +33 2 41 35 51 18, E-Mail jmdebray@chu-angers.fr

  Article Information

Received: June 15, 2006
Accepted: December 8, 2006
Published online: April 2, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 11