Vertebral Artery Dissection after Exposure to Levofloxacin: A Report of Two Cases

Intern Med. 2021 Sep 1;60(17):2863-2865. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6736-20. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

Exposure to quinolones is known to be an independent risk factor for aortic dissection; however, the association with vertebral artery dissection remains unclear. We report two cases of vertebral artery dissection that occurred 4 and 8 days after exposure to levofloxacin, respectively. Both patients had risk factors for vertebral artery dissection, and quinolone use could have been avoided. These two cases indicate that quinolone exposure can be a risk factor for vertebral artery dissection. Considering the possible mechanism, it is better to avoid the prescription of quinolones to patients who have insufficient connective tissues to avoid vertebral artery dissection.

Keywords: drug adverse effect; quinolone; vertebral artery dissection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Levofloxacin* / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Vertebral Artery
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection* / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Levofloxacin