[Total deafness after multiple pontine infarctions. Dolichoectasia of the basilar trunk]

Abstract

A 54 year-old man was affected by three successive infarctions in the vertebro-basilar territory. These infarctions were related to a dolichoectatic basilar artery visualized by arteriography and NMR. Deafness occurred first on the left side and then, after the third infarction, on the right side. The authors underline that deafness can be observed after a pontine infarction in the territory of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. A dolichoectatic basilar artery can be the source of thrombotic or embolic strokes. Their prevention by antiaggregant or anticoagulant therapy is suggested.