STROKE DUE TO HYPOPLASIA OF INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY: CLINICAL AND ULTRASOUND FINDINGS

The aim of the present study is to define the role of internal carotid artery (ICA) hypoplasia to the prognosis, outcome and recurrence rate of stroke. We have evaluated retrospectively a group of five patients with an acute stroke associated with an ipsilateral ICA hypoplasia. Diagnostic work-up included: computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and of the skull base; magnetic resonance/or digital subtraction angiography, colour coded duplex sonography (CCDS). The mean age of the patients was 30 5.7 years, and 80% of them were female. Bilateral ICA hypoplasia was found in one case. Collateral pathways were: posterior communicating artery (n = 4), ophthalmic artery (n = 1) and anterior communicating artery (n = 1). The mean neurological deficit according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission was 7.6 +/- 0.2. Good clinical outcome (mRS >= 2 ninety days after the stroke onset) was observed in all cases. The patients were treated with antiplatelet therapy. The follow-up period was 7.6 +/- 1.4 years. There was no stroke recurrence. ICA hypoplasia is one of the rare causes of stroke in young adults. The stroke, associated with ICA hypoplasia, is with low recurrence rate. CCDS is an effective and sensitive method for diagnosis of this condition.