J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2007 Aug;42(2):125-128.

Spontaneous Recanalization from Traumatic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion

• Kim YS
• Yoon SH
• Kim EY
• Park HS

Abstract

The incidence of spontaneous recanalization after traumatic internal carotid artery occlusion is very rare. We have experienced a case of spontaneous recanalization after a traumatic internal carotid artery occlusion. A 5-year-old boy developed contra-lateral hemiparesis and dysphasia after a blunt injury on the head and neck. He had a complete left internal carotid artery occlusion which was diagnosed through angiography. We treated the patient with an antiplatelet agent and rehabilitation. Six months later, he regained motor power of right extremities, language ability, and revisualization of internal carotid artery on the follow-up magnetic angiography. We confirmed a recanalization of injured internal carotid artery on the conventional cerebral angiography which was performed one year later. We suggest conservative treatment with serial angiographic studies as a possible option of traumatic internal carotid artery occlusion even though there is hemodynamic instability.

Keyword

Blunt injuriy; Carotid artery injury; Internal carotid artery dissection

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Aphasia
Carotid Artery Injuries
Carotid Artery, Internal*
Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection
Cerebral Angiography
Child, Preschool
Extremities
Follow-Up Studies
Head
Hemodynamics
Humans
Incidence
Language
Male
Neck
Paresis
Rehabilitation
Wounds, Nonpenetrating