Bilateral Carotid Artery Thrombosis in a Young Man

Carotid artery thrombosis in young patients without evidence of premature atherosclerosis prompts investigation of unusual forms of carotid disease in addition to a workup for cardiac and arch vessel sources for emboli. Noninvasive imaging and conventional angiographic techniques play an important part in the diagnostic evaluation looking for potential vascular sources. Physicians should also be aware that, in addition, hypercoagulable conditions may predispose to carotid thrombosis. One such patient is presented with bilateral carotid thrombosis and stroke. The management of the problem is reviewed, as well as the investigation of potential hypercoagulable conditions, with a primary focus on qualitative and quantitative platelet abnormalities.