Risk factors of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack in young women: A case report

Abstract

This case report aims to demonstrate the clinical significance of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) hypoplasia in a young woman who received a combined oral contraceptive (COC) and its association with arterial occlusion and the development of a lacunar stroke/lacunar cerebral infarct (LACI). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left frontal lobe revealed multiple subcortical and periventricular amplification/ischemia foci (49.0×17.0 mm), and lacunar infarct loci (2.0×4.0 mm). Brain magnetic resonance angiography revealed a markedly narrowed lumen of the left ICA (2.0–3.0 mm). MRI diffusion-weighted imaging-fluid attenuated inversion recovery revealed a moderate diffuse wall thickening and reinforcement of the left ICA. The patient was diagnosed with LACI and congenital hypoplasia of the left ICA and underwent antiplatelet drug therapy (aspirin - 100 mg) and a complete withdrawal of COC. A full amelioration of neurological symptoms was observed after one month of treatment.