A Rare and Unusual Cause of Ischemic Stroke to Be Aware of

Abstract

Congenital absence of an internal carotid artery (ICA) is an extremely rare vascular anomaly. This case report presents an instance of right ICA agenesis to highlight the importance of early identification of this anomaly and its impact on disease presentation and complications. With transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and cerebral aneurysms being among the chief presenting scenarios or course of the anomaly, it is important to have a high level of suspicion for these in patients with known ICA agenesis. Understanding the underlying development of this vasculature and its impact on cerebral circulation aids in identifying possible findings on imaging. This case report aims to delineate the pathophysiology of ICA agenesis, recognition of the vasculature that contributes to the anomaly, different presentations of the disease, complications, and obstacles in management.