Common Carotid Artery Occlusion Presenting with Recurrent Syncopal Episodes
Imran Kader1, Steven M Jones1, Catherine Harrison1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, John Hunter Hospital , New Lambton, Australia.
Neurology International
|February 21, 2017
Summary
Common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion is rare and can cause syncope. Surgical intervention, like carotid endarterectomy, can effectively treat this condition and resolve symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Symptomatic common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion is a rare condition.
- It often necessitates surgical intervention for symptom resolution.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female presented with recurrent syncope and transient visual disturbances (amaurosis fugax).
- She also reported left leg weakness, indicating potential cerebrovascular compromise.
Findings:
- Duplex ultrasound and angiography confirmed a right CCA occlusion.
- Intraoperative findings revealed a calcified plaque and thrombus within the CCA.
Implications:
- CCA occlusion can manifest with unusual symptoms like recurrent syncope.
- Carotid endarterectomy is a potentially curative surgical option for symptomatic CCA occlusion.
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