Internal carotid artery dissection is a tear of the intima layer, allowing blood to collect in the media or the adventitia layer ^1-4. The condition is a cause of stroke, particularly in young adults ^1-4. CT and MR imaging studies may improve the diagnostic specificity for vessel wall injuries ^2,3. Radiologists can recognize features of arterial dissection, so that appropriate diagnosis and management can start promptly, reducing the risks of ischemic stroke ^1-3.

This case demonstrates imaging features of bilateral internal carotid dissection with cerebral strokes, probably due to blunt cerebrovascular injuries.

Case courtesy of

• Rennah Gonçalves, MD - PGY-3, radiology resident, Department of Radiology
• Luziany Carvalho Araújo, MD – radiologist, Department of Radiology
• Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto, MD - radiologist, Department of Radiology

Hospital da Restauração – Recife, PE – Brazil