Utility of transoral and transcranial ultrasonography in the diagnosis of internal carotid dissection: a case report

Abstract

Background Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is one of the most common causes of stroke in young patients. Ultrasonographic assessment of the carotid artery is the method of choice for early detection. The use of the conventional technique for diagnosis is limited since dissection frequently occurs in the distal portion of the ICA. Case Report We describe the case of a 48-year-old Argentinian woman with malignant cerebral infarction secondary to ICA dissection. We diagnosed her with neck vessels using conventional ultrasonography and a transoral ultrasonographic approach combined with transcranial ultrasonography. Conclusion We recommend the transoral assessment of ICA combined with ultrasonography as a noninvasive method for the diagnosis of ICA dissection.

Keywords

• internal carotid artery dissection
• ultrasonography
• stroke