Lateral medullary (Wallenberg) syndrome

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sudden onset of ataxia, vertigo and difficulty with swallowing. Previously very fit

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

A small focus of restricted diffusion in the right postero-lateral medulla, with absent flow void in the adjacent right PICA. TOF MRA shows absent flow/occlusion in the distal right vertebral artery and right PICA. 

Case Discussion

​Findings in this syndrome are usually subtle on MRI (most useful is DWI).  Look for PICA or vertebral artery occlusion on the MRA and always consider spontaneous or traumatic vertebral artery dissection.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.