Asymptomatic Common Carotid Artery Occlusion and Occipital-Vertebral Artery Anastomosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is a very rare disorder that has rarely been studied. CCAO causes several neurological symptoms but can sometimes be asymptomatic due to the development of various anastomoses. Herein, we report the case of a 70-year-old male patient diagnosed with asymptomatic CCAO due to anastomotic flow. The patient underwent transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) and was found to have CCAO with two collateral pathways, including an occipital arteryvertebral artery anastomosis. We emphasize the importance of TFCA when CCAO is suspected and review the types and anastomotic pathways of CCAO.

Keywords

• common carotid artery occlusion
• collaterals
• occipital artery
• vertebral artery
• case report