Vestibulo-Cochlear Symptoms Revealing Vertebro-Basilar Dolicho-Ectasia

Abstract

Introduction: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) are uncommon arteriopathies defined by increased length and caliber of one or more intracranial arteries. The clinical picture is polymorphic. They are most often associated with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, but this pathology can also cause symptoms of cranial nerve compression. Objective: We report the case of a vertebro-basilar dolichoectasia collected in the radiology department of Ibn Tofail Hospital in Marrakech, revealed by vestibulo-cochlear symptoms and diagnosed by brain MRI. In the light of this observation, we review this uncommon pathology and the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging in its diagnosis. Case report: The patient was 68 years old and had a history of severe sleep apnea syndrome. He presented with rotatory vertigo, tinnitus and hypoacusis on the left side of the head for 3 months. The neurological examination was normal and the examination of the ENT sphere revealed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and left hyporeflexia. A cerebral MRI was performed as part of the etiological workup, which revealed elongation and dilation of the vertebral arteries measuring 3.9 mm on the left and 5.2 mm on the right, with loops of which the left crossed the homolateral cochleovestibular nerve 7 mm from its emergence, responsible for a deviation of its path, and the glossopharyngeal nerve 4 mm from its emergence. It also showed an elongation and dilatation of the basilar trunk measuring 6.8 mm, presenting a loop lateralized to the left at the level of its origin (Smoker's Grade 2) with a bifurcation opposite the floor of the V3 (Smoker's Grade 2).Thus, the diagnosis of a DEVB responsible for a vascular-nervous conflict was retained. The indication for surgical management was given but was refused by the patient due to the deep location of the arteriopathy. Discussion and conclusion: DEVB is a rare and progressive condition with cranial nerve compression as a possible complication. Brain MRI is...