Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery during magnetic resonance imaging.

Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery is an increasingly recognized condition that is readily identifiable with magnetic resonance imaging and -angiography. Early recognition of this entity is essential for optimizing medical management and avoiding potential cerebral infarction. We present a case of dissection of the internal carotid artery that occurred during magnetic resonance imaging and describe the immediate imaging characteristics.