Basilar Artery Thrombosis in the Postpartum Period During COVID – 19 Pandemic: A Lethal But Avoidable Complication

Purpose: To highlight the factors leading to the delayed diagnosis of basilar artery occlusion and poor outcome in the postpartum period during the prevailing Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Case report: We here report a case of a 34-year female who presented with a headache localized to the occipital region after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Her headache severity increased over time, and she developed a generalized seizure episode and became unconscious. Subsequently, basilar artery thrombosis was diagnosed. Despite all efforts, she succumbed to death. We believe that we might have saved the patient's life if we could have made the diagnosis beforehand. Conclusion: We recommend that unless shown otherwise, postpartum headache and neck discomfort, even in individuals with no known risk factors, should have a low index of suspicion, early diagnosis using non-invasive radiological study such MRI to rule out this uncommon but deadly illness quickly. © 2022, Neurological Society R.O.C (Taiwan). All rights reserved.

Basilar Artery Thrombosis in the Postpartum Period During COVID - 19 Pandemic: A Lethal But Avoidable Complication.

PURPOSE: To highlight the factors leading to the delayed diagnosis of basilar artery occlusion and poor outcome in the postpartum period during the prevailing Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. CASE REPORT: We here report a case of a 34-year female who presented with a headache localized to the occipital region after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Her headache severity increased over time, and she developed a generalized seizure episode and became unconscious. Subsequently, basilar artery thrombosis was diagnosed. Despite all efforts, she succumbed to death. We believe that we might have saved the patient's life if we could have made the diagnosis beforehand. CONCLUSION: We recommend that unless shown otherwise, postpartum headache and neck discomfort, even in individuals with no known risk factors, should have a low index of suspicion, early diagnosis using non-invasive radiological study such MRI to rule out this uncommon but deadly illness quickly.