Nitza Goldenberg-Cohen1, Neil R Miller. 1. Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the neuroimaging findings in a patient with an isolated abducens nerve palsy caused by a dolichoectatic basilar artery. DESIGN: Retrospective case report. METHODS: A 65-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of gradually worsening horizontal double vision. He subsequently underwent magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomographic angiography. RESULTS: Neuroimaging revealed dolichoectasia of the basilar artery. The enlarged, tortuous vessel appeared to be compressing the subarachnoid portion of the nerve at its exit from the brainstem. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive neuroimaging studies are sufficient to establish a diagnosis of basilar artery dolichoectasia in patients with isolated cranial neuropathies.
PURPOSE: To describe the neuroimaging findings in a patient with an isolated abducens nerve palsy caused by a dolichoectatic basilar artery. DESIGN: Retrospective case report. METHODS: A 65-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of gradually worsening horizontal double vision. He subsequently underwent magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomographic angiography. RESULTS: Neuroimaging revealed dolichoectasia of the basilar artery. The enlarged, tortuous vessel appeared to be compressing the subarachnoid portion of the nerve at its exit from the brainstem. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive neuroimaging studies are sufficient to establish a diagnosis of basilar artery dolichoectasia in patients with isolated cranial neuropathies.