Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Implantation of a Carotid Cuff for Triggering Shear-stress Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: January 13, 2012
Is there a potential role for hyoid bone compression in pathogenesis of carotid artery stenosis?
O S Abdelaziz1, C S Ogilvy, M Lev
1Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
Insights
Hyoid bone compression may contribute to atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. Surgical intervention and CT angiography confirmed its role in this rare case of carotid artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis pathogenesis involves hemodynamic factors like blood flow turbulence and shear stress.
- These factors are particularly significant at arterial wall sites with sudden changes.
- Hyoid bone protrusion into carotid vessels is investigated as a potential contributor.
Observation:
- An 85-year-old woman presented with transient ischemic attack symptoms.
- Imaging revealed 90% stenosis of the right internal carotid artery.
- Intraoperative findings showed the hyoid bone projecting into the internal carotid artery, causing indentation and vessel rotation.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the hyoid bone and carotid endarterectomy were performed.
- Postoperative CT angiography confirmed hyoid bone resection and carotid artery repositioning.
- This case suggests hyoid bone compression as a contributing factor to atherosclerotic carotid stenosis.
Implications:
- Hyoid bone compression should be considered in the differential diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis.
- CT angiography is valuable for assessing carotid artery occlusive disease and anatomical variations.
- Understanding unusual anatomical causes can improve diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.
Background:
Blood flow turbulence and increased shear stress, particularly at sites of sudden, marked arterial wall changes, are significant hemodynamic parameters in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We present a case in which we found the hyoid bone protruding into the carotid vessels and may have been contributing, in part, to atherosclerotic carotid stenosis.
Case Presentation:
An 85-year-old woman presenting with left arm and leg weakness consistent with right hemispheric transient ischemic attack. Magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and carotid non-invasive studies revealed a 90% stenosis of the right internal carotid artery. At surgery, the hyoid bone on the right side was projecting into the internal carotid artery, causing indentation. There was associated rotation of the internal and external carotid arteries from their normal position. Right carotid endarterectomy was performed and the lateral one-third of the hyoid bone excised to alleviate the external compression. Postoperative spiral computerized tomography (CT) scan of the carotid vessels demonstrated the extent of hyoid resection as well as rotation of the external and internal carotid arteries.
Conclusions:
We suggest the possible contribution of hyoid bone compression to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis. This report also highlights the diagnostic value of CT angiography in the assessment of carotid artery occlusive disease.
Related Concept Videos
The Hyoid Bone
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Angina II: Classification
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

