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Carotid artery compression by the hyoid bone
Ronald C Pearlman1, Mohammad A Naficy, Myles B Koby
1School of Communication, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA. rpearlman@howard.edu
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
|September 20, 2012
Summary
A rare case of carotid artery compression by an unusual hyoid bone horn was treated with carotid endarterectomy. This surgical approach effectively addressed the stenosis caused by the bone, offering an alternative to stenting in similar cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Bilateral carotid stenosis is a significant risk factor for stroke.
- Atherosclerotic plaque buildup commonly causes carotid artery narrowing.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary to restore blood flow.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old male presented with severe left carotid stenosis (>70%).
- During carotid endarterectomy, a 2-cm calcified horn on the hyoid bone was found compressing the carotid artery.
- Radiographic imaging confirmed this unique anatomical compression.
Findings:
- The carotid endarterectomy successfully increased the carotid artery lumen size by removing atherosclerotic plaque.
- The hyoid bone's calcified horn was identified as the cause of extrinsic carotid artery compression.
- This case highlights an unusual etiology for carotid stenosis.
Implications:
- Carotid artery compression by the hyoid bone is a rare but treatable cause of stenosis.
- Carotid endarterectomy may be the preferred surgical option over stenting in cases of bony compression.
- Awareness of such anatomical variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective surgical planning in vascular procedures.
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