title: Carotid artery compression by the hyoid bone.
abstract: An 83-year-old male presented with bilateral carotid stenosis. Stenosis on the left side was reported to be greater than 70%. A left carotid endarterectomy was undertaken to increase the lumen size and remove the atherosclerotic plaque. During surgery, the hyoid bone was observed to have a 2-cm calcified horn capable of compressing the carotid artery. This unusual compression was confirmed by radiographic images. In cases where the carotid artery is compressed by the hyoid bone, a carotid endarterectomy rather than a stent may be the procedure of choice.
authors.affiliation: School of Communication, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA. rpearlman@howard.edu
authors.forename: Ronald C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Pearlman
authors.forename: Mohammad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Naficy
authors.forename: Myles B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Koby
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nyanzu
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D019416:Head Movements; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome