Bilateral subclavian steal syndrome in an intensive care unit. A case report

Abstract

We report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with arterial hypotension, lightheadedness, vomiting, a sense of tingling in his right arm, and a right-beating horizontal nystagmus. He was initially admitted to the Intensive care unit and treated with standard vasopressor agents. A neurosonological examination showed the steal phenomenon on both vertebral arteries; the neuroradiological examination revealed occlusion of the left subclavian artery and subtotal stenosis of the innominate artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed. Our case demonstrates how bilateral subclavian steal syndrome should be taken into account in the case of a seemingly hypotensive patient unresponsive to standard therapy.