Posterior circulation stroke mimicking a pontomedullary brain stem lesion: A case report

Abstract

Posterior circulation stroke occurs in the territory of the vertebrobasilar arterial system. About 20–25% of ischaemic strokes affect posterior circulation brain structures. We present a patient with a posterior circulation stroke mimicking a left pontomedullary brain stem lesion. Acute onset clinical symptoms relating to the posterior circulation should be adequately investigated including angiography to exclude hypoplastic vertebral artery so as to prevent possible recurrence which may be more challenging with a mortality as high as 80%. Keywords: Posterior circulation stroke, Pontomedullary brain stem, Vertebral artery hypoplasia