Internal carotid artery agenesis disclosed by carotid ultrasonography

Area of Science:

• Vascular imaging
• Neurology
• Craniofacial anatomy

Background:

• Internal carotid artery agenesis is a rare congenital condition.
• It can lead to cerebrovascular complications.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

• Ultrasonography demonstrated a marked caliber difference between the right (0.39 cm) and left (0.70 cm) common carotid arteries.
• This finding was associated with agenesis of the right internal carotid artery.
• Bilateral ophthalmic arteries exhibited anterograde flow, but the right side showed a 50% reduction.

Findings:

• The right internal carotid artery was absent.
• Significant hypoplasia of the right common carotid artery was observed.
• Reduced peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in the right ophthalmic artery confirmed decreased blood flow.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of ultrasonography in diagnosing internal carotid artery agenesis.
• Understanding the hemodynamic consequences is vital for assessing stroke risk.
• Further research into the long-term effects and management strategies for this condition is warranted.