title: Spontaneous dissection of the carotid artery.
abstract: The clinical and radiographic findings in 20 patients with nontraumatic spontaneous dissection of the carotid vessels are reported. In 18 patients, the dissection was limited to the internal carotid artery; the extent of dissection varied. The radiographic findings were pathognomonic. Dissection occurs within the media of the vessel along a plane not present in normal arteries. Fibromuscular dysplasia and hypertension may be predisposing factors in spontaneous dissection of the carotid artery.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging