Spontaneous recanalization of the internal carotid artery resulting in thromboembolic occlusion of the ipsilateral ophthalmic artery and visual loss

We report a 54-year-old man who suffered a stroke from a complete right internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Two months later, he presented with right eye blindness. Imaging demonstrated 50% recanalization of his right ICA. He underwent a right carotid endarterectomy to prevent contralateral stroke from emboli through a patent anterior communicating artery. Recanalization of a completely occluded proximal ICA due to atherosclerotic disease has been reported but is rare, but such patients emphasize the importance of follow-up vascular studies. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.