Spontaneous recanalization of chronic occlusion of the internal carotid artery.

Described in the article is a rare case concerning spontaneous recanalization of the extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) eleven months after occlusion. Only few publications have been dedicated to recanalization of ICA chronic occlusion. Spontaneous recanalization of the ICA is more common than it is generally understood. The authors have analysed all available articles about this problem from PubMed (1957 to 2013), reviewing the mechanisms of recanalization of the ICA, methods of diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the importance of ICA spontaneous recanalization and consequences thereof.