Spontaneous recanalization of complete internal carotid artery: a clinical reminder

Spontaneous recanalization of atherothrombotic extracranial cerebral arteries is rare vis-à-vis recanalization of intracranial vessels. The time course is unknown. The question is the advisability and timing of surgery in a recanalized vessel. We describe a patient with spontaneous recanalization of a totally occluded left Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) who was monitored with periodic imaging and in time had partial recanalization of the ICA. We believe patients with total ICA occlusion with return of function should be followed up with periodic carotid ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) or CT angiography, and when appropriate, be candidates for carotid vascular interventions.