# Carotid Web as a Source of Thromboembolism in a Young African American Female

## TL;DR

A rare carotid web caused a stroke in a young healthy woman, and timely surgery and medication prevented further issues.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the under-recognized role of carotid webs in causing strokes in young individuals.

## Key findings

- A 30-year-old healthy female experienced a stroke due to bilateral carotid webs.
- Surgical removal and antiplatelet therapy led to a successful 1-year outcome.
- Carotid webs should be considered in stroke workups for young patients.

## Abstract

Background: Carotid webs are nonatherosclerotic fibrous bands that may alter hemodynamic flow and increase the risk of platelet aggregation, leading to thromboembolism in young, otherwise healthy individuals. Although rare, carotid webs are important causes of thromboembolic strokes and are often overlooked in the routine workup for a stroke. Treating physicians and radiologists must recognize and properly manage patients who present with carotid webs to prevent recurrent thromboembolism.

Case Report: A healthy 30-year-old female presented with slurred speech and unilateral left upper and lower extremity numbness. Imaging modalities showed an acute infarction of the right middle cerebral artery and bilateral carotid webs. The patient was managed operatively with a right carotid endarterectomy and discharged on day 3 of admission on a regimen of ticagrelor, amlodipine, and aspirin. The patient was asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Our case highlights the clinical relevance of considering carotid web as a potential etiology for ischemic stroke in young, otherwise healthy patients and emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent recurrent cerebrovascular events.