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We present a case of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis caused by mechanical stimulation by the hyoid bone (HB) and thyroid cartilage (TC). A 78-year-old man with a history of right ICA stenting four years previously was admitted for abrupt onset of dysarthria and left hemiparesis and diagnosed with ischemic stroke by magnetic resonance imaging. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography revealed internal carotid in-stent restenosis. Furthermore, the HB and TC contacted with the right ICA. Treatment involved antiplatelet therapy, partial HB and TC resection, and carotid artery restenting. Posttreatmently, the ICA was restored and stenosis improved. Since restenosis may occur posttreatmently in patients with carotid artery stenosis caused by mechanical stimulation of the HB and TC, it is necessary to consider treatments including not only carotid artery stenting but also partial bone structures resection and carotid endarterectomy.

Cervical carotid disease is typical atherosclerosis, which is responsible for ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for advanced carotid stenosis has been established in many large studies, and CEA is the gold standard in surgical treatment. On the other hand, endovascular carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become increasingly popular recently. It is very important to avoid any complications to maintain the effectiveness of CEA. The retractor device is important for the exposure of carotid arteries and for the safe surgical manipulation. We have started to use lone star retractor system (LSRS) to deploy the surgical field. LSRS provides the usability to handle and a shallower surgical field without the disturbance of surgical manipulation. And it can facilitate exposure of the distal internal carotid artery because surgeon can retract freely in whole circumference by towing with moderate strength. LSRS may bring the smoother and easier surgical manipulations in CEA., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The term "carotid web" was first used in 1973 and is considered a rare form of fibromuscular dysplasia(FMD). A carotid web was reported to produce thrombus formation and cause of ischemic events. However, it is rarely reported because of its low incidence. As for the diagnosis, noninvasive routine radiological modalities such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance angiography may have very low sensitivity due to the subtle nature of the entity. Therefore, these types of lesions may be often underdiagnosed. We describe three cases that presented with minor and recurrent major ischemic strokes resistant to medical management. All 3 cases had a good course with no recurrence after carotid endarterectomy. On pathological examination, all specimens revealed mild atherosclerotic change, although FMD was known to be a non-inflammatory and non-atherosclerotic angiopathy. Early detection of a carotid web is highly important. Three-dimensional CT angiography(3D-CTA)maximum intensity projection(MIP)imaging seems to be a reliable noninvasive technique, although catheter angiography is considered as the gold standard. The cases with carotid web have characteristics such as more recurrent ischemic stroke and resistance to medical management. Surgical treatment should be considered if medical management in unsuccessful. Moreover, even if asymptomatic, it might also be considered for cases with a growing web or with blood stasis behind the web.