Southwest Journal of Pulmonary and Critical Care (Mar 2018)
A finger-like projection in the carotid artery: A rare source of embolic stroke requiring carotid endarterectomy
Abstract
Atherosclerotic lesions of the extracranial carotid arteries are one of the most common cases of stroke. Rarely, a stroke may result from isolated non-stenotic carotid disease in the absence of systemic manifestations of cardiovascular disease or significant cardiovascular risk factors. We present an unusual case of multiple strokes resulting from a solitary finger-like projection within the posterior wall of the carotid artery in an otherwise healthy patient. This small finger-like projection has a propensity to act as a nidus for thrombus formation and a potential source of cerebral embolism.
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