Dolichoectasia of the vertebral basilar and internal carotid arteries: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Dolichoectasia is a rare disorder of the cerebral vasculature consisting of vascular elongation, widening, and tortuosity, usually involving the vertebral and basilar arteries. Its neurological symptoms and signs are highly variable. CASE DESCRIPTION We present a case of dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar system in a patient with a long standing history of multiple falls. Repeat neuroimaging revealed an increase in size of the dolichoectatic segment. In addition, a new fusiform dilatation of the contralateral petrous segment of the internal carotid artery and isolated ventriculomegaly had developed. CONCLUSION Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia can cause multiple clinical manifestations, with hydrocephalus being less common. In addition, having dolichoectasia of both posterior and anterior circulation is extremely rare.