The Carotid Web: A Rare Abnormality of the Intimal Layer Causing Ischemic Stroke in a Young Female Patient

The carotid web represents a specific type of fibromuscular dysplasia that primarily affects the intimal layer and is considered a high-risk factor for cryptogenic ischemic stroke. There is still debate regarding the ideal diagnostic imaging for carotid webs. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the preferred method in most studies; however, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been proven to offer great-quality images for diagnosing and evaluating the carotid web. Surgical treatment of carotid web is essential in order to avoid recurrent attacks of ischemic stroke. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are both indicated for the treatment of carotid web; on the other hand, the efficacy of conservative treatment is still debated. We present a case of ischemic stroke in a young female patient that was attributed to a carotid web and was treated successfully with CAS of the right internal carotid artery.