When Congenital Anomaly Mimics Pathology: Internal Carotid Artery Hypoplasia (P2-4.014)

Hypoplasia represents a congenital morphogenic error resulting in the underdevelopment of an organ or tissue, which can occur in any part of the body and may have significant clinical consequences. When involving the internal carotid artery (ICA), hypoplasia can profoundly alter cerebral hemodynamics. Congenital internal carotid artery hypoplasia (CICAH) is exceedingly rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.01%, and may be misinterpreted as an acquired ICA occlusion, potentially leading to inappropriate therapeutic decisions.