A case of intimal hyperplasia induced by stenting for vertebral artery origin stenosis: assessed on intravascular ultrasound.

We report a case of proximal vertebral artery restenosis following stent placement. Intravascular ultrasound study helped delineate its characteristics. A 69-year-old man was admitted because of dysarthria and dysphagia. Angiography revealed hypoplasia of left vertebral artery (VA) and remarkable stenosis of the proximal right VA with inadequate collateral flow from the anterior circulation. Balloon angioplasty and stent placement at the VA was performed to an excellent angiographic result with recovery of neurological symptoms. His condition deteriorated six months later due to intimal hyperplasia, which we evaluated by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Balloon angioplasty was then performed. Stent placement may induce intimal hyperplasia and IVUS is useful to assess the lesion.