Temporal profile of vertebrobasilar territory infarction. Prognostic implications.

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Abstract
The type and prognostic significance of the various temporal profiles of vertebrobasilar territory infarction were studied in 39 consecutive patients. The following temporal profiles were identified: 1) coma from onset, 5 patients; 2) sudden onset followed by stabilization, 12; 3) gradual onset reaching stabilization within 24 h, 7; 4) gradual onset with progression beyond 24 h, 2; and 5) delayed worsening after stabilization, 13. Patients in group 1 and those with unstable courses, groups 4 and 5, had poor outcomes with mortality of 100 and 27%, respectively. Mortality for groups 2 and 3 was 5%. Hospital mortality was 25.6%. Demographic data, risk factors, presenting symptoms and type of neurologic deficit, other than coma, had no correlation with mortality, degree of disability and long term survival. At follow up of 6-52 mo. (median 24) 7% of the survivors had recurrent cerebrovascular events; 2 patients (7%) died due to nonvascular causes and 72% of patients re-examined (20 of 28) were neurologically normal or had minimal deficits.