Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection and Patent Foramen Ovale Leading to Cerebellar Ischemia in a Young Adult: Case Report and Literature Review

Cervical artery dissection and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are relevant causes of ischemic stroke (IS)in young adults. We report the case of a 35-year-old previously healthy man who presented with severevertigo, gait ataxia, and bradycardia, later diagnosed with cerebellar infarction secondary to bilateralvertebral artery dissection. Further investigation revealed the presence of a PFO. This case underscoresthe importance of thorough etiological investigation of IS in young adults, focusing on the identificationof cervical artery dissections and structural cardiac abnormalities as risk factors.