Subclavian Steal Flow-Related Aneurysm Formation

Abstract

Subclavian steal phenomenon can cause retrograde flow through the ipsilateral vertebral artery as a result of atherosclerosis of the subclavian artery. Clinically this can present as intermittent vertebrobasilar ischemia or claudication of the affected extremity, but rarely it poses a serious risk of neurologic morbidity or mortality. Aneurysm formation at the vertebrobasilar junction is rare but may occur as a sequela of increased flow through 1 vertebral artery, as occurs in subclavian steal syndrome. Here, we present a rare case of subarachnoid hemorrhage from a vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm related to subclavian steal syndrome.

Keywords: Subclavian steal; Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm.