Chronic emesis due to compression of the area postrema by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: resolution following microvascular decompression

Abstract

Chronic emesis may result from a variety of causes. To the authors' knowledge, compression of the area postrema by regional vessels resulting in chronic emesis has not been reported. The authors report on a child who presented with chronic medically intractable emesis and significant weight loss requiring jejunostomy feeding. Surgical exploration of the posterior cranial fossa found unilateral compression of the area postrema by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Microvascular decompression resulted in postoperative and long-term resolution of the patient's emesis. Although apparently very rare, irritation of the area postrema from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery with resultant medically intractable chronic emesis may occur. Therefore, the clinician should be aware of this potential etiology when dealing with such patients.