INTERNAL CAROTID-ARTERY THROMBOSIS AFTER CERVICAL CORPECTOMY

Summary of Background Data. A 74-year-old man suffered an extensive ri ght hemispheric infarct 72 hours after undergoing anterior corpectomie s of the C4 and C5 vertebrae for cervical myelopathy resulting from os sification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Results. Angiograph y revealed proximal right internal carotid artery thrombosis with athe rosclerosis and a normal left internal carotid artery. The thrombosis may have been due to stasis during lengthy retraction of an atheroscle rotic carotid artery. Conclusions. Preoperative screening of internal carotid artery blood flow with Doppler ultrasonography is recommended before contemplating extensive anterior cervical surgery in middle-age d and elderly patients at significant risk for atherosclerotic disease .