Abstract
Background: Hypoplastic internal carotid artery (HICA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly, typically asymptomatic due to collateral circulation. However, in certain cases, it may present with ischemic stroke.
Case Presentation: We report a 17-year-old male with a history of smoking and illicit drug use who presented with acute left-sided weakness. Imaging revealed an infarct in the right middle cerebral artery territory and a hypoplastic right internal carotid artery.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering congenital vascular anomalies in young stroke patients and underscores the role of advanced neuroimaging in diagnosis.
Keywords
Acute stroke, Cocaine, Hypoplastic internal carotid artery (HICA)