[Persistence of an embryonic hypoglossal artery. Apropos of a case]

Persistence of an embryonic hypoglossal artery, discovered during exploration of an atheromatous carotid artery stenosis, is a rarely observed anomaly that results from an embryologic slip during closure of basilo-carotid communications. Encephalic protection must be ensured during treatment of such lesions, and the establishment of a shunt during operation has to be considered.