Question

Diplopia and dysarthria (and other vertebrobasilar insufficiency symptoms) in an individual with arm claudication with exercise is pathognomonic for___________.

1) Carotid artery stenosis
2) Aortic dissection
3) Subclavian artery stenosis
4) Thoracic outlet syndrome

Answer 1

Diplopia, dysarthria, and other vertebrobasilar insufficiency symptoms in an individual with arm claudication with exercise are pathognomonic for subclavian artery stenosis. (option 3 is the correct answer)

Step-by-step explanation:

The medical condition characterized by diplopia, dysarthria, and arm claudication with exercise is subclavian artery stenosis. The subclavian artery supplies vital areas and when stenosed, it can lead to intermittent claudication and vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The subclavian artery, which arises differently on the left (from the aortic arch) and right (from the brachiocephalic artery), is responsible for supplying blood to the arms, chest, shoulders, back, and central nervous system.

The classic symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), including subclavian artery stenosis, is intermittent claudication—pain that occurs with exercise due to insufficient blood flow and resolves with rest.

When subclavian artery stenosis is present, the reduced blood flow can lead to a range of symptoms including double vision (diplopia), difficulty in articulation (dysarthria), and in severe cases, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, due to compromised blood flow to the brain.