Proximal Common Carotid Artery Stenosis Induced by Repetitive Mechanical Compression: A Case Report

Abstract

Objectives: Arterial branches and curvatures, such as the common carotid artery (CCA) origin and carotid bifurcation, are usual sites of atherosclerosis, which leads to carotid artery stenosis. Atherosclerosis may occur due to repetitive compression. Stenosis localized to the proximal segment away from the CCA origin and bifurcation is rare. Here, we describe the case of a patient with right proximal CCA stenosis induced by repetitive compression. Methods: We studied an acute stroke patient who worked for a long time as a geographical surveyor carrying a tripod on his right shoulder. We found severe eccentric stenosis composed of thick plaque in the right proximal CCA, away from the right CCA origin. However, there was no finding of CCA dissection or vasculitis. Results: The patient was diagnosed with ischemic stroke due to artery-to-artery embolization from the right CCA stenosis, which we believed was due to repetitive compression by the tripod. Conclusions: Repetitive mechanical stimuli can cause stenotic lesions at atypical vascular sites.