Carotid Web: Current Understanding of Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

The Carotid Web (CaW) is a projection of the intimal layer of the internal carotid artery on the posterior wall into the lumen, with no evidence of calcification. Its prevalence in the general population still lacks more relevant data and studies in the clinical aspect. However, there is a correlation with patients suffering from ischemic stroke, presenting a 1.2% frequency. The literature also reveals the CaW, as a cause of cryptogenic stroke (25% of cases). The CaW can cause hemodynamic changes within the vessel, predisposing to platelet aggregation and increase the chance of thromboembolism and stroke events.