Brain Stem Ischemic Stroke Associated with Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that may have different manifestations including hypotension. It is reported that vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) may be present in up to 20% of the general population. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with VAH have a higher risk of developing an ischemic stroke in the area supplied by this hypoplastic artery. This paper describes the case of a patient with preexistent VAH who presented with lateral medullary syndrome associated with a hypotensive episode secondary to anaphylaxis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this association has not previously reported.