ABSTRACT
Intracranial dissections are frequently recognized as a cause of stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The posterior circulation is the most common location for these dissections. The purpose of this article is to focus on the presentation and management of vertebral artery and posterior cerebral artery dissections. For patients presenting with stroke anticoagulation is the first line of treatment. For those presenting with a bleed proximal occlusion using endovascular techniques is the treatment of choice. Vertebral artery dissections (VADs) can be treated with either balloons or coils, and early angiographic follow-up is needed to reassess the status of the diseased segment. Trapping by endovascular techniques may be needed in a limited number of these VADs. Posterior cerebral artery dissections presenting with a bleed are best treated using Guglielmi detachable coils to achieve the shortest segment of occlusion.
KEYWORD
Dissecting aneurysm - vertebral artery - posterior cerebral artery - endovascular therapy
