Microvascular decompression surgery for vertebral artery compression of the medulla oblongata: 3 cases with respiratory failure and/or dysphagia.

Background: It is well known that brainstem dysfunction may be caused by vascular compression of the medulla oblongata (MO). However, only a limited number of reports have found microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery to be an effective treatment for symptomatic patients with MO dysfunction, such as essential hypertension, pyramidal tract signs, dysphagia, and respiratory failure.

Case Description: This report describes 3 patients with vertebral artery compression of MO who presented with respiratory failure and/or dysphagia.

[Usefulness of carotid ultrasonography for the early detection of moyamoya disease].

We report carotid ultrasonographic findings in moyamoya disease. A 44-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of fever, headache and nausea. Neurological examination showed neck stiffness and Kernig's sign but he was otherwise normal.