Subclavian double steal syndrome presenting with cognitive impairment and dizziness

Abstract

Background. Atherosclerotic occlusion of the brachiocephalic artery is a very rare condition resulting in a distinctive pattern of hemodynamic disturbances in the cerebral circulation described as subclavian double steal syndrome. Case report. We present the case of a 66-year-old male patient with atherosclerotic occlusion of the brachiocephalic artery with double steal syndrome presenting with cognitive impairment and dizziness. The diagnosis was based on duplex ultrasound examination and was confirmed with angiography. The patient was referred for revascularization surgery, with extra-anatomical bypass. The outcome was favourable regarding the vertebrobasilar symptomatology, but mild cognitive impairment persisted.

Keywords

• subclavian double steal syndrome
• brachiocephalic artery occlusion
• cognitive impairment
• dizziness