Subclavian artery dissection and triple infarction of the nervous system.

BACKGROUND Subclavian artery dissection is a rare entity. It is usually associated with anomalous aortic vasculature. Only with trauma or catheterization procedures is subclavian artery dissection with normal aortic vasculature reported. PATIENT We describe a patient with intrascapular pain, an occipital headache, and 3 distinct infarctions in the nervous system. He had spontaneous subclavian artery dissection with normal aortic vasculature. CONCLUSION Subclavian artery dissections should be suspected in patients with intrascapular pain, occipital or cervical pain, and symptoms within the posterior circulation.