[Dissection of the internal carotid artery with subarachnoid hemorrhage].

INTRODUCTION

Dissection of the intracranial arteries is uncommon, forming less than 10% of all cranio-cervical dissections. Apart from the classical clinical findings of extracranial dissections, intracranial dissection may cause subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), mainly dissections involving the posterior circulation.

CLINICAL CASE

We describe the case of a 49 year old man, a smoker, who had a sudden onset of headache followed by loss of consciousness. On CT there was SAH and multiple cerebral infarcts. Arteriography showed findings compatible with dissection of the extracranial and intracranial carotid arteries.

DISCUSSION

We discuss the epidemiology and mechanisms of SAH associated with intracranial dissections. Intracranial dissection. Intracranial dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SAH and of ischaemic syndromes.