Hyoid bone compression‑induced carotid dissecting aneurysm: A case report

Bony structures around the carotid artery, such as the styloid process and the hyoid bone, can cause dissection, compression, plaque formation and plaque rupture of the carotid artery. The present study aimed to present a novel case of hyoid bone elongation causing dissecting aneurysm of the carotid artery. However, the patient had no permanent neurologic symptoms. An 80-year-old man presented with right hemiparesis for >5 h despite preventive therapy with antiplatelets and statins. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute infarction in the left parietal lobe. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed two cysts with some calcification located at the bifurcation of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and the right greater horn of the hyoid bone adjacent to the right ICA. A color duplex scan of the carotid vessels confirmed the relationship between dissecting aneurysm and the hyoid bone. In conclusion, greater attention should be paid to the bony structures around the carotid artery.