Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology (May 2024)

Fighter Pilot Syndrome: A Bow Hunter Syndrome Variant Identified With Dynamic Cerebral Angiography

  • Joo Won Choi,
  • Kirsten Jin,
  • Jessica N. Wilson,
  • Andrew Pham,
  • Tej I. Mehta,
  • Samuel Tsappidi,
  • Jonathan Y. Zhang,
  • Ferdinand K. Hui,
  • Stacy C. Brown

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1161/SVIN.123.001219
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 3

Abstract

Read online

Background Dynamic compression of extracranial arteries in the cervicocerebral circulation is a rare phenomenon of ischemic stroke. Methods Retrospective chart review. Results Here, we present a young fighter pilot who presented with recurrent embolic strokes of undetermined source. He endorsed flying fighter jets for 6 years, during which he was subject to high G‐force loads and extensive in‐flight head maneuvers. Extensive workup identified dynamic arterial compression of his right vertebral artery, which entered the transverse foramen at the C4 level. Dynamic cerebral angiography was used to reveal the specific vessel location and provocative maneuver leading to dynamic occlusion of his right vertebral artery. Conclusion This case highlights the utility of dynamic cerebral angiography in identifying previously unexplored causes of arteriogenic emboli formation, particularly in patients with predisposing anatomic and clinical risk factors.