Dolichoectasia of the right internal carotid artery diagnosed incidentally by MR angiography in a 17-year-old girl

Abstract

Dolichoectasia of the cerebral artery, a rare disorder of arterial elongation, dilatation, and tortuosity, usually involves the vertebrobasilar system in elderly patients with hypertension and is associated with the development of atherosclerosis in the aging process. We present a very rare case in a 17-year-old girl with multiple sclerosis of dolichoectasia of the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery that was found incidentally on magnetic resonance angiography and seems to represent a congenital arterial malformation.

Long segment dolichoectasia of the right internal carotid artery diagnosed by CT angiography

“…Thus, we considered congenital weakness of the arterial wall a possible mechanism underlying the formation of dolichoectasia in our patient [7]. In children and young adults without hypertension, dolichoectasia can be regarded as a type of congenital vascular malformation [8].…”

Internal carotid artery ectasia: A case report of incidental diagnosis after post-traumatic headache

“…Internal carotid artery ectasia (ICAE) is a rare vascular abnormality characterized by the dilation and tortuosity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) beyond normal limits [1] . ICAE is often asymptomatic and incidentally detected on imaging studies, but it can also present with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or cranial nerve deficits [1] .…”

“…Internal carotid artery ectasia (ICAE) is a rare vascular abnormality characterized by the dilation and tortuosity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) beyond normal limits [1] . ICAE is often asymptomatic and incidentally detected on imaging studies, but it can also present with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or cranial nerve deficits [1] . The etiology of ICAE remains unclear, but congenital and acquired factors, such as collagen disorders, atherosclerosis, and trauma, have been implicated in its pathogenesis.…”

“…Despite its rarity, ICAE has been increasingly recognized as a cause of cerebrovascular events, particularly in the context of other vascular risk factors. Therefore, early detection and appropriate management of ICAE are essential to prevent potential complications and improve patient outcomes [1 , 2] . In this case report, we present a patient with incidentally detected ICAE following a traumatic injury, highlighting the importance of recognizing this vascular abnormality and the need for appropriate monitoring and management.…”