Vascular Anomaly Presenting as Neurological Crisis: A Case Report of Dolichoectasia-Induced Seizures.

A rare brain vasculature illness called dolichoectasia (DE) causes the blood vessels to enlarge and elongate. DE describes an irregular enlargement and dilatation of arteries; this condition primarily affects big blood vessels such as the internal carotid and vertebrobasilar arteries. A range of neurological symptoms may result from this illness because of the compression of nearby structures or changed hemodynamics. Although it is documented more commonly in the vertebrobasilar circulation, rarely it can be seen in the anterior circulation, as in our case. The brainstem structures and cranial nerves are compressed in DE, resulting in turbulent blood flow that causes vertigo and tinnitus and frequently damages the brain's small blood vessels. One risk factor for ischemic stroke is DE. The occurrence of seizures in DE is not so common. Here, we report a case of a 20-year-old female, bioengineering UG with generalized tonic-clonic seizure diagnosed to have DE on MRI.

Intraplexal Aneurysm of the Distal Segment of the Anterior Choroidal Artery: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Aneurysms of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) are the most common pathology of the vessel. Although proximal aneurysms at the internal carotid artery (ICA) and AChA junction are common, their occurrence in the distal segment of the AChA is quite rare. We report a case of a distal AChA aneurysm occurring in the intraplexal segment of the AChA. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an intraplexal distal AChA aneurysm.

Inter Palatovaginal Canal corridor- Proposing a Safe Landmark to Approach Clival Region of Sphenoid Sinus.

Internal carotid artery injury is one of the most feared intraoperative complications of endoscopic sinus surgery and endoscopic skull base surgery. Vidian canal is used as a landmark to identify laceral genu of ICA. But, this structure leads to the lateral aspect of the genu and so, there is still a possibility of injuring the genu, if we blindly follow this landmark. So, to find out a more reliable landmark to locate ICA, we conducted a computed tomography-based study in our institution. The aim was to evaluate the anatomical variations in position of palatovaginal canal in relation to laceral genu of ICA. The primary objective was to know the anatomical relation of medial opening of PVC to laceral genu of ICA, and the secondary objective was to measure the distance between these two structures. CT paranasal sinus images of 105 patients were collected and axial cuts evaluated to find out the anatomical relation between PVC and ICA. In 97.1% of the scans, laceral genu of ICA was found lateral to medial opening of PVC, and in the rest 2.9%, both structures were found to lie in the same line. In 62.9% of the patients, the distance between the two structures was found to be between 3.1 and 6 mm. The inter-palatovaginal canal corridor can possibly be considered as a safe corridor to clival region of sphenoid sinus. This corridor can be easily identified intraoperatively during endoscopic skull base surgeries So, if the surgeon limits the instrumentation to the inter-palatovaginal canal corridor, iatrogenic injury to ICA, one of the most dreaded complications, can be avoided, while working in the clival region of sphenoid sinus.

Safe endovascular recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion using retrograde aspiration angiography.

OBJECTS: Cerebral infarction, resulting from acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, typically manifests with a wide ischemic area and severe symptoms. Mechanical thrombectomy proves effective within 24 hours of disease onset and in less ischemic infarction core. However, in cases with well-developed collateral flow and mild symptoms, conservative treatment is initially selected. If symptoms worsen or ipsilateral hemisphere perfusion decreases, superficial temporal artery (STA) - middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis is considered. Revascularization therapy may also be effective. Contralateral angiography allows for ipsilateral blood flow verification once complete revascularization is achieved, albeit with potential treatment-related complications. Here, we describe retrograde angiography using an intermediate catheter (IMC) and contralateral contrast injection to achieve safer revascularization. METHODS: We present ten acute ICA occlusion cases caused by thromboembolism, arteriosclerosis, carotid artery stent occlusion, or embolic stroke of undetermined source. Employing bilateral femoral artery puncture, one catheter was guided to the occluded ICA, while another was positioned for diagnostic purposes in the contralateral ICA or vertebral artery. The IMC was navigated through the occluded vessel, with contralateral imaging performed during aspiration. The catheter was gradually retracted to confirm the extent of occlusion and recognize recanalization. RESULTS: Recanalization was successfully achieved in all cases. Symptomatic ischemic complication and hyperperfuison was not seen in all cases. No cases were decreased modified Rankin scale after treatment. CONCLUSION: Advancements in IMC technology facilitate distal catheter guidance to the ICA, even in proximal occlusion. Combining this technique with contralateral imaging allows us to confirm the extent of occlusion and recanalization status without antegrade imaging, making recanalization therapy safer.

Eagle syndrome and vascular complications-a systematic review.

Vascular complications occurring in Eagle syndrome are seldom described. The aim of this study was to systematically review the occurrence, characteristics, and management outcomes of vascular complications occurring in Eagle syndrome. A systematic review was conducted with a search in several databases. The research question was "What characterizes Eagle syndrome with vascular complications and how should it be managed?" The initial search yielded 4145 results; 150 of these were included, reporting a total of 231 patients with vascular complications. Arterial impingement (67.5%) was more frequent than venous impingement (32.5%). The most frequent consequence of arterial impingement was stroke (46.8%), while for venous impingement it was chronic headache (68%). Seventy-nine patients underwent styloidectomy as initial treatment: 78.5% of the patients were cured and 19.0% improved, while only 2.5% showed a recurrence. On the other hand, among the 106 patients treated medically without initial styloidectomy, only 24.5% of the patients were cured, 28.3% improved, and 47.2% had a recurrence. The association of symptoms of classic Eagle syndrome with neurovascular symptoms should prompt clinicians to consider this diagnosis and to measure the styloid length. Styloidectomy is the treatment of choice to obtain the best cure rate and reduce recurrence.

Extracranial-intracranial bypass using a cephalic vein graft for iatrogenic internal carotid artery injury during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA) during functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Although treatment algorithms have been developed, guidelines for effectively managing iatrogenic ICA injury have not been established. A case of ICA perforation during functional endoscopic sinus surgery treated with cerebral bypass utilizing a cephalic vein graft is presented. OBSERVATIONS: A woman in her late 50s presented with a left cavernous ICA injury that had occurred during endoscopic nasal polypectomy at an outside hospital. Hemostasis was achieved with intranasal Foley catheter placement. Left common carotid artery angiography revealed a high-flow carotid-cavernous fistula. Cerebral revascularization was chosen as the optimal procedure. The initial intent was to use a radial artery graft, but the radial artery was found to be occluded intraoperatively. Postoperatively, the patient experienced decreased vision and left eye movement but was otherwise neurologically intact. Postoperative angiography showed complete resolution of the fistula. LESSONS: In cases involving ICA injury and carotid-cavernous fistula formation, microsurgical trapping with high-flow bypass is a favorable treatment option. The cephalic vein is a viable graft option when unexpected challenges arise with a radial artery graft. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24222.

Idiopathic extracranial internal carotid artery vasospasm: case report and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic extracranial internal carotid artery vasospasm (IEICAV) is characterized by spontaneous, recurrent, and reversible vasoconstriction of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA). The etiology remains elusive, and no effective treatment has been established. The present study presents a case of recurrent IEICAV with migraine-like symptoms and conduct a systematic review on IEICAV. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case involving medical history, radiological data, treatment, and outcomes. A systematic review of published IEICAV cases was conducted through database searching in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception until May 2024. RESULTS: A 22-year-old female with recurrent headaches, blurred vision, and aphasia was diagnosed with bilateral IEICAV through angiography. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a novel cerebral infarction during a prolonged episode. Treatment with topiramate successfully controlled recurrence in a 5-month follow-up. The systematic review included 36 IEICAV cases reported by literature. Bilateral involvement of extracranial ICAs was observed in 25 (69.4%) cases. Cerebral infarction was identified in 31 (88.9%) cases. Despite various treatment attempts including vasodilators, antiplatelet, anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, and other medical or surgical intervention, the recurrent rate increased in 5 (13.9%) cases, decreased in 10 (27.8%) cases, and remained unchanged in 4 (11.1%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The elusive mechanism of IEICAV brings great difficulty into managing recurrence. Preventing IEICAV-related infarction related to secondary factors like hypoperfusion may be crucial for maintaining life quality. Further research is essential for advancing treatment strategies and a case-by-case approach is needed in identifying and eliminating possible triggers for vasospastic episodes.

Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation During Walking in an Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patient with Severe Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Case Report.

This study investigated the oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during walking in a 75-year-old male patient in the acute phase of a left frontal lobe cerebral infarction complicated by severe left internal carotid artery stenosis. The patient regained independent ambulation on the fifth day after the onset of symptoms, and the study was conducted on the eighth day after the onset of symptoms. The patient rested for 10 s before walking for 70 s. Then he rested for 60 s. The levels of oxyhaemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb), and total haemoglobin (THb) in the PFC were quantified during the rest and walking phases using a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy device. Comparative analysis with baseline values during rest revealed decreases in the O2Hb, HHb, and THb in both hemispheres of the PFC during walking (O2Hb: -19.76/ -14.88 µmol/L, HHb: -1.18/ -2.00 µmol/L, THb: -20.96/ -16.88 µmol/L, right/left, respectively). The recovery of the O2Hb was delayed by 15.8 seconds in the affected hemisphere. These findings support the effectiveness of wearable NIRS for the evaluation of cerebral oxygenation during rehabilitation in patients with acute stroke to facilitate evaluations and individualise patient care.

Application of surgical revascularization technique in giant aneurysm of the extracranial internal carotid artery: technical report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic value and clinical significance of surgical revascularization in giant aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery. METHODS: The research team screened a group of cases of giant aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery and analyzed the detailed information of the enrolled patients in terms of their basic clinical characteristics, surgical approaches and clinical prognosis. RESULTS: All patients had a good prognosis, except for one patient who was left with only mild facial nerve palsy (grade II facial paralysis). The results demonstrate that surgical revascularization is effective and safe in the treatment of giant aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery. CONCLUSION: The significant conclusion of this study is to provide an ideal alternative treatment for the treatment of giant aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery. The surgical revascularization technique is a powerful tool for vascular neurosurgeons in the management of complex cerebrovascular diseases when traditional surgical clipping or endovascular interventions encounter bottlenecks.

Angioinvasive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Complex and Lethal Cause of Stroke.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive and often fatal fungal infection caused by molds of the order Mucorales, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals. This infection is notorious for its angioinvasive properties, enabling the fungi to invade blood vessels and leading to tissue necrosis. We report the clinical course of a 59-year-old Caucasian man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 16.8%) who presented with unilateral headache, left-sided facial numbness, and incomplete left ocular motor paresis. Initial presentation raised suspicion of orbital phlegmon, leading to antibiotic and later corticosteroid pulse therapy, which worsened the patient's condition. Subsequent imaging demonstrated extensive inflammatory changes, including wall irregularities of the left intracranial internal carotid artery, accompanied by ocular protrusion and periorbital enhancement. New palatal lesions indicated mucormycosis, which was confirmed by molecular analysis of a palatal biopsy, leading to Amphotericin B treatment. Pre-surgery imaging revealed a malignant middle cerebral artery infarction, and the patient died 16 days after symptom onset and 12 days after initial presentation under palliative care due to a poor prognosis. This case of angioinvasive mucormycosis underscores the severe and often fatal course of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in an immunocompromised individual. The rapid progression from initially vague and unspecific symptoms to extensive vascular involvement and stroke highlights the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis, as well as prompt intervention to prevent further disease progression. Additionally, this case also illustrates the potential risks associated with corticosteroid therapy in the presence of undiagnosed fungal infections, which can exacerbate the condition and lead to serious complications. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for mucormycosis in similar clinical scenarios, prioritizing adequate antifungal treatment and careful monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Early interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for the effective management of such complex cases.

Cerebral perfusion in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion by dual post-labeling delays arterial spin labeling imaging.

BACKGROUND: Global and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) are unclear when the dual post-labeling delays (PLD) arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique is used. Manual delineation of regions of interest for CBF measurement is time-consuming and laborious. AIM: To assess global and regional CBF changes in patients with unilateral ICAO with the ASL-MRI perfusion technique. METHODS: Twenty hospitalized patients with ICAO and sex- and age-matched controls were included in the study. Regional CBF was measured by Dr. Brain's ASL software. The present study evaluated differences in global, middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, anterior cerebral artery territory, and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) regions (including the caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, insula ribbon, internal capsule, and M1-M6) and brain lobes (including frontal, parietal, temporal, and insular lobes) between ICAO patients and controls at PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s. RESULTS: When comparing CBF between ICAO patients and controls, the global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at both PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s; the CBF on the occluded side was lower in 15 brain regions at PLD 1.5 s, and it was lower in 9 brain regions at PLD 2.5 s; the CBF in the contralateral hemisphere was lower in the caudate nucleus and internal capsule at PLD 1.5 s and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s. The global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s. The ipsilateral CBF at PLD 1.5 s was lower than that at PLD 2.5 s in 15 regions, whereas the contralateral CBF was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s in 12 regions. The ipsilateral CBF was lower than the contralateral CBF in 15 regions at PLD 1.5 s, and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s. CONCLUSION: Unilateral ICAO results in hypoperfusion in the global and MCA territories, especially in the ASPECTS area. Dual PLD settings prove more suitable for accurate CBF quantification in ICAO.

Τhe styloid process length and the stylohyoid chain ossification affect its relationship with the carotid arteries.

PURPOSE: The elongated styloid process (SP) is associated with internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection, due to its close relationship with the vessel. However, the relationship with the variable ossified stylohyoid chain (SHC) has been scarcely studied. The current study investigated the relationship between the temporal bone's SP and the external and internal carotid arteries (ECA and ICA). The hypothesis was that the morphological variants of the SP influence this relationship. METHODS: Sixty multidetector computed tomography angiographies (120 heminecks) were randomly selected and retrospectively analyzed. SP elongation and the degree of SHC ossification were assessed. The distances (mm) between the SP and the carotid arteries (CAs) were measured. RESULTS: Elongated SPs were present in 21 patients (35%), while 18 patients (30%) exhibited variable degrees of SHC ossification. The mean distance from the SP tip and ECA was 5.45±3.01mm from the ECA and 6.16±3.11mm to the ICA. The minimum distance between SP and ECA was 3.96±2.74mm, and between SP and ICA was 4.72±2.73mm. A statistically significant reduction in SP-ICA distance was observed in cases with elongated SP and SHC ossification, while the SP-ECA distance was statistically significantly shorter in cases of SP elongation. Additionally, three novel topographical patterns between the SP and surrounding vascular structures were identified. CONCLUSIONS: SP elongation and variable SHC ossification may impact the spatial relationship between the SP and the ICA/ECA. The proximity of the SP to the carotid arteries, particularly the ICA, holds clinical significance, as a reduced distance may predispose patients to carotid artery dissection, increasing the risk of stroke.

Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts short-term mortality in acute ischemic stroke with severe stenosis of internal carotid artery associated pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and short-term mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with internal carotid artery (ICA) severe stenosis and stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) patients. METHODS: Information on general demographic, laboratory data, CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction angiography were obtained. The predictive power was evaluated by assessing the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The logistic regression was performed to assess the association of SII and short-term mortality in severe stenosis ICA-AIS and SAP patients. RESULT: Among 342 patients with severe stenosis ICA-AIS and SAP, death occurred in 66 patients during 120 days follow-up. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that increased SII predicts higher mortality in 120 days follow-up, and the risk of short-term mortality in SII > 666.31 × 109/L group is increased 4.671-fold. Patients with SII > 666.31 × 109/L had higher proportion of male, hypertension, smoking, higher admission NIHSS score, higher systolic blood pressure, and higher proportion of 120 days mortality. Higher SII predicted a worse 120 days mortality was worked out by Kaplan-Meier methods. CONCLUSION: An elevated SII was remarkably associated with 120 days mortality in severe stenosis ICA-AIS and SAP patients.

Relationships of the vidian nerve and internal carotid artery: MRI and intraoperative surgical evaluation.

Objective: Skull base anatomy around the internal carotid artery (ICA) is extremely complex. Among anatomical landmarks studied, the vidian canal has been thoroughly evaluated, unlike the vidian nerve (VN). Our aim is to evaluate the VN-ICA relationships, and understand their role in terms of surgical planning. Methods: Fifty MRI examinations of 100 healthy petro-spheno-clival regions were reviewed in order to evaluate the relationship between the vidian nerve axis (VNA) and the petrous ICA. Twenty-seven cases of expanded endonasal approaches to petrous apex region were evaluated to check the VN-ICA relationship intraoperatively. Results: MRI evaluations showed that, in 23% of cases, the VNA was below the edge of the ICA, in 45% it was at the edge of the ICA and in 32% it ended up above the edge of the ICA. Surgically speaking, in 9 of 28 petrous apex approaches, the VN ended above the inferior edge of the petrous carotid. Conclusions: MRI evaluation adds useful information in planning the surgical approach to petro-spheno-clival regions, even if the identification of VNA, in these cases, may not be radiologically possible. Surgical experience confirms the importance of VN identification in guiding the surgeon in complex cases, and also outline the possible risks of relying only on this landmark.

Anatomical Relationships of Internal Carotid Artery with Posterior Pharyngeal Wall and Upper Cervical Spine: Analysis of 238 Computed Tomography Angiograms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate internal carotid artery's (ICA) anatomical relationships with atlantoaxial joints and posterior pharyngeal wall and to illustrate ICA injury risk during transoral procedures to the upper cervical spine. METHODS: Cervical spine computed tomography angiography of 238 patients was retrospectively evaluated. Each ICA was classified into 1 of 3 zones: areas medial (Zone 1), anterior (Zone 2), or lateral (Zone 3) to the atlantoaxial joint. For an ICA in Zone 1, the shortest distances to the posterior pharyngeal wall and midsagittal plane were measured. For an ICA in Zone 2, the closest distances to the midsagittal plane and anterior cortex of the C1-2 complex were measured. RESULTS: Fifteen ICAs in Zone 1 were found in 12 (5%) patients, with 3 female patients having bilateral ICAs medial to the atlantoaxial joint. The incidence of ICA in Zone 1 was higher in females than in males. In cases of ICAs in Zone 2, the ICAs were close to the anterior cortex of the C1-2 complex, with the shortest distance being 2.6 ± 1.5 mm. A total of 39.9% of patients had bilateral ICAs in Zone 3. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral surgeries in the upper cervical spine carry potential ICA injury risk. They should be carefully deliberated in patients whose ICAs are in Zone 1. In cases of ICAs in Zone 2, meticulous subperiosteal stripping and gentle traction should be performed on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Preoperative identification of the course of ICAs is mandatory in patients undergoing transoral surgeries in the upper cervical spine.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Cerebral Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease With Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cerebral revascularization for Moyamoya disease (MMD) with extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 37 patients diagnosed with MMD with extracranial ICAO who underwent cerebral revascularization surgery. We conducted propensity score matching for MMD patients without extracranial ICAO from database of 932 MMD patients. Outcome data, recurrent strokes, and modified Rankin Scale were collected during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 37 MMD patients with extracranial ICAO were included in the study. The average follow-up time of MMD patients with extracranial ICAO included in the study was 74 months. During the follow-up period, there were 15 hemispheres recurred stroke events. All hemispheres underwent surgery, and the follow-up modified Rankin Scale score was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant statistical difference in stroke events among the indirect bypass, direct bypass, and combined bypass groups (P = 0.131). After propensity matching, 48 hemispheres of MMD patients without extracranial ICAO were identified from a review of 932 MMD patients. There was no significant statistical difference in stroke events between the MMD patients with extracranial ICAO group and the MMD group (P = 0.271). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral revascularization can prevent recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke events for MMD patients with extracranial ICAO. There was no difference on long-term clinical outcomes after combined bypass, direct bypass, and indirect bypass surgery. The cerebral revascularization has similar effect on the MMD patients with extracranial ICAO and MMD patients without extracranial ICAO.

Evaluation of collateral circulation in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion: A clinical and ultrasonographic multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is the major cause of ischemic stroke. The effect of collateral vessels on cerebral hemodynamics in ICA occlusion remains unclear. This study investigated the correlation between collateral vessels and the peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in patients with ICA occlusion. METHODS: The relevant collateral vessels included the anterior communicating (ACoA), posterior communicating (PCoA), and internal-external carotid (IECCA) arteries, respectively. Patients with unilateral ICA occlusion (n = 251) underwent transcranial Doppler imaging to detect the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the MCA and other intracranial arteries. The clinical symptoms were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). RESULTS: Patients with ACoA collaterals had significantly higher PSVMCA scores and significantly lower NIHSS scores than those without ACoA collaterals (p < 0.001). Patients without any notable collaterals and those with only IECCA had the lowest PSVMCA and highest NIHSS scores. The PSVMCA and NIHSS scores were negatively correlated (r = -0.566, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Collateral circulation patency in unilateral ICA occlusion was closely associated with clinical symptoms, and patients with ACoA collaterals may have favorable outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02397655).

Rare Segmental Agenesis of Internal Carotid Artery without Rete-Like Collaterals: A Case Report.

Objective: Internal carotid artery (ICA) agenesis has been classified into six types: A-F. Type F demonstrates distal reconstitution of the ICA via anastomosis with distal branches of the external carotid artery. Herein, we report the ICA agenesis of type F without rete-like collaterals, which has not been previously reported. Case Presentation: An 80-year-old woman presented with segmental agenesis of the right ICA accompanied by an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Stent-assisted coil embolization was successfully performed. Digital subtraction angiography showed segmental agenesis of the right ICA from the cervical to the ascending foramen lacerum segment, which was preoperatively supplied with collateral blood flow by a dilated right accessory meningeal artery (AMA) anastomosed with the inferolateral trunk (ILT)-posteromedial branch. Based on the segmental concept, the case was diagnosed with segment 7 (horizontal intracavernous portion until ICA branches off the ILT) agenesis, which may have resulted in secondary regression of the ICA proximal to segment 7. According to the ICA agenesis classification, this was of type F because the case showed collateral flow to the distal ICA via transcranial anastomoses from the AMA without carotid rete-like collaterals. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the carotid rete-like collaterals did not form because the AMA was first developed during embryonic development.

Bilateral dolichoarteriopathy of internal carotid arteries as cause of bilateral ischemic strokes: Case report.

Most anatomic features of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are described as a straight course to the skull base free of branches. In some cases, the excessive elongation of the internal carotid artery in a confined space results in a curvature showing a "C" or "S" shape, or in an abnormal vascular shape made of a single or double vessel loop. These anatomic variants are called dolichoarteriopathies of the internal carotid artery. The correlation between dolichoarteriopathy of the ICA and stroke is still questionable, however it is believed that it can be associated with cerebral ischemia with a clinical symptomatology that accompanies ischemic stroke. We report a case of a 41-year-old patient, with a history of hypertension, who was admitted for right hemiparesis with Broca's aphasia. The rest of the clinical examination was normal. Radiological investigations confirmed an acute left sylvian ischemic stroke with an abrupt occlusion of the posterior trunk of the left M2 segment on the CT angiogram, an excessive elongation of the ICA on both sides, describing a shape of coils or loops. Etiologic workup for ischemic stroke was negative.

Application of the full-width-at-half-maximum image segmentation method to analyse retinal vascular changes in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis.

Background: To investigate the correlation between retinal vascular changes and ICA stenosis by measuring retinal vessels using full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) and intelligent image recognition. Methods: This research selected patients who were admitted to the Vascular Surgery Department of Quzhou People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 and were preparing for Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS). Participants were divided into two groups: without ICA stenosis (Group 0) and with ICA stenosis (Group 1). A total of 109 cases were included in the study, with 50 cases in Group 1 and 59 cases in Group 0. Vascular images of superior temporal zone B of the retina were obtained by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The edges of retinal vessels were identified by FWHM. Each vessel of all subjects was measured three times with the FWHM, and the average value was taken to obtain the retinal arteriolar lumen diameter (RALD), retinal arteriolar outer diameter (RAOD), retinal venular lumen diameter (RVLD), and retinal venular outer diameter (RVOD),Arterial Wall Thickness (AWT),Venular Wall Thickness (VWT)=(RVOD-RVLD)/2,Arteriovenous Ratio (AVR) = RAOD/RVOD. Results: We found that compared to Group 0, Group 1 had smaller RALD (P < 0.001) and RAOD (P < 0.001), and wider RVOD (P < 0.001), with thicker VWT (P < 0.001). When compared with the contralateral eye in Group 1, the ipsilateral eye exhibited even smaller RALD,RAOD and AVR (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). After CAS, the RALD,RAOD and AVR in Group 1 increased (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001),while the RVLD and RVOD decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). Our research reveals a significant correlation between retinal vascular changes and internal ICA stenosis. Conclusion: Utilizing SD-OCT in conjunction with the FWHM,we achieved a non-invasive, intelligent, stable, and precise acquisition of data pertaining to retinal vessels. These findings underscore a significant correlation between alterations in retinal vascular structure and the presence of ICA stenosis, as demonstrated by our research.