Bilateral carotid webs

Neuroradiol J. 2021 Dec;34(6):683-685. doi: 10.1177/19714009211017783. Epub 2021 May 18.

Abstract

Carotid web is thought to be a focal intimal variant of fibromuscular dysplasia, which comprises a high risk of stroke because of blood stasis and subsequent coagulative reactions that occur distal to the web. These lesions generally involve the posterolateral wall of the carotid and their developmental pathogenesis is controversial. This case report describes a 51-year-old woman who presented to the hospital with sudden onset aphasia, right hemi-sensory loss, and right visual field cut. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) distribution embolic ischemic infarct with shelf-like linear filling defects in the carotid bulb bilaterally on a computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head and neck consistent with bilateral carotid webs that were confirmed by catheter angiography. The carotid webs were projecting on the left posteriorly and on the right anteriorly into the inferior aspects of the bilateral proximal internal carotid arteries. The patient was started on clopidogrel and a high-intensity statin and remained on Plavix monotherapy for a 10-month follow up without a recurrent ischemic event.

Keywords: Bilateral; carotid web; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia*
  • Carotid Arteries
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Fibromuscular Dysplasia*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Stroke* / diagnostic imaging
  • Stroke* / etiology