Calcific emboli originating from the brachiocephalic trunk causing acute cerebral infarction and worm-like calcification in the right middle cerebral artery.

We report, to our knowledge, the first patient with brachiocephalic trunk calcified plaque causing the 'salted pretzel sign' and worm-like calcification. Arterial stenosis or occlusion caused by atherosclerosis and thrombosis are responsible for the majority of cases of cerebral infarction. However, there are a number of other causes. Interestingly, these findings were not observed on a CT scan 10 days before the stroke. Acute cerebral infarction with calcifications on unenhanced head CT scans should raise suspicion for disease in the carotid system. Identification of subtle findings of acute ischemic stroke on CT scans is important for early diagnosis and treatment.