Cerebral arterial dissection

Abstract

Cerebral artery dissection is an uncommon cause of cerebral infarction, but should be considered in young stroke patients who lack stroke risk factors. A case and autopsy results are reported of a 23-year-old female with dissection of the middle cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries. Multiple factors potentially related to the pathogenesis in this case include migraine headaches, trauma, and alcohol intake. The clinical, histopathologic, and ultrastructural findings are discussed and the literature is reviewed.