Recurrent extracranial carotid artery vasospasms: report of 2 cases.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spontaneous vasospasms of the submandibular internal carotid arteries are rarely observed. They are a highly dynamic process, recur frequently, and can be detected by serial ultrasound examinations. SUMMARY OF CASES We present 2 cases of recurrent extracranial vasospasms of the internal carotid artery as a cause of stroke. In both cases, arterial dissection was initially suspected, but no intramural hematoma was detected on magnetic resonance imaging. Duplex sonography demonstrated recurrent high-grade stenoses of both internal carotid arteries that resolved spontaneously within hours to days. The vasospasms were treated with calcium antagonists and in 1 patient with oral corticoids. CONCLUSIONS Extracranial vasospasms as a cause of stroke might be underestimated. Vasospasms of the internal carotid arteries should be considered in patients with recurring ischemic events in the absence of any other explanation. Antiphlogistic treatment in combination with calcium antagonists might be effective to reduce the frequency of vasospasms.