A rare case of bilateral basilar artery webs

Background

Basilar artery web is a rare and under-recognized vascular anomaly that may contribute to posterior circulation ischemic stroke. In limited reports, basilar artery webs have appeared as thin, membrane-like intraluminal defects at various locations along the basilar artery.

Case Presentation

A 51-year-old man presented with a 10-day history of involuntary movements in the left upper limb, along with longstanding memory decline and gait instability. He had no history of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Non-contrast computed tomography of the head showed no hemorrhage, and laboratory investigations were not diagnostic. Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography revealed severe focal stenosis in the distal basilar artery. High-resolution black-blood magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography identified two distinct, thin, smooth, membrane-like intraluminal defects, consistent with basilar artery webs.

Discussion

This is the first reported case of two coexisting web-like lesions within the same segment of the basilar artery. Although no definitive infarction was observed, the vascular anomalies may have impaired perforator artery flow or disrupted local hemodynamics, potentially contributing to focal brainstem ischemia.

Conclusion

This case expands the current understanding of basilar artery webs and emphasizes the diagnostic value of high-resolution vessel wall imaging. Recognition of this rare anomaly is important for accurate stroke risk assessment and individualized prevention strategies, especially in patients without conventional vascular risk factors.