Treatment of internal carotid artery dissection with Willis covered stent: A case report of recurrent limb weakness and no response to medical therapy

Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a major cause of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged patients. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with symptoms ranging from headache and neck pain to severe cerebral ischemic events. Conventional treatment is medical anticlotting therapy or involves the use of interventional tools, such as endovascular treatment. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy are the primary treatment modalities used to prevent thromboembolic complications from arterial dissections, however, they are unsuitable in certain cases of dissecting aneurysms. In the current study reports the case of a 52-year-old male patient presenting with the primary complaint of left limb weakness. Computed tomography angiography revealed a right ICAD located in the oropharyngeal segment. Subsequently, digital subtraction angiography was performed to assess the oropharyngeal segment. Antithrombotic therapy resulted in no improvement; therefore, endovascular treatment with the insertion of a Willis covered stent was performed, resulting in an improved outcome.