A Rare Case of Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia Presenting with Ipsilateral Facial Paresis and Concomitant Severe Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia presenting with ipsilateral facial nerve paresis and concomitant severe sensorineural hearing loss.   Methods:                Design: Case Report                Setting: Secondary Government Hospital                Patient: One   Results:  We report a case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia with concomitant ipsilateral facial nerve paresis and severe sensorineural hearing loss in an elderly female.  She presented to us with left facial nerve palsy House-Brackmann Grade III with prior history of ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss.  MRI of the brain showed normal inner ear structures, but revealed a dilated and tortuous basilar artery with compression on the left medulla and possible branches of anterior inferior cerebellar artery as it coursed superiorly, and possible partial thrombosis of proximal basilar artery.    Conclusion:  Concommitant facial nerve paresis and sensorineural hearing loss can be the clinical presentations of this rare but important condition.  MRI is vital in diagnosing vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia.   Keywords: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, facial nerve palsy, sensorineural hearing loss, basilar artery