J Neurosonol Neuroimag.  2024 Jun;16(1):21-23. 10.31728/jnn.2024.00152.

Carotid Artery Dissection Caused by an Elongated Styloid Process: A Case Report

• Kang YJ
• Sung SM
• Cho HJ
• Lee TH

• KMID: 2557487
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.31728/jnn.2024.00152

Abstract

Eagle’s syndrome is caused by an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament that interferes with adjacent structures. Herein, we present the case of a 26-year-old man who presented to the emergency department due to sudden onset pain in the right occipital area, dysarthria, left hemiparesis, and left arm paresthesia. Computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed an intimal flap and thrombus in the proximal right internal carotid artery (ICA), indicative of carotid artery dissection, as well as direct contact between the styloid process and ICA on both sides. The patient underwent anticoagulation with intravenous heparin for 7 days, followed by 75 mg of clopidogrel per day. Following treatment, the patient gradually improved and was discharged with slight paresthesia in the left arm two weeks after symptom onset. Carotid artery dissection is a rare manifestation of Eagle’s syndrome caused by an elongated styloid process.

Keyword

internal carotid artery; dissection; Eagle syndrome; elongated styloid process