Web of the carotid artery: An under-recognized cause of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke has rarely been reported in association with a web of the carotid artery. We describe here an additional case of ischemic stroke caused by a carotid web in a young healthy woman. Detection of this vascular abnormality required the use of CT angiography and cerebral digital subtraction angiography. Although there is little evidence regarding the optimal management of this condition, under medical treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy our patient remained free of recurrent stroke events. This case report study illustrates that the web of the carotid artery is an uncommon cause of stroke which should always be considered and ruled out, especially in young patients with otherwise cryptogenic stroke. Clinicians should be aware of this condition, which represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.