Thrombosis of Internal Carotid Artery in a Five-Year-Old Child

Thrombosis of the internal carotid artery is not an uncommon disease in adults of middle and old age but is exceedingly rare in young children under the age of 10 years. A review of the literature disclosed six recorded cases which have been proved by angiography and/or autopsy (Table).1-5Because of its rarity, the following case is presented. A 5-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 29, 1956, because of repeated convulsions. The parents stated that five days before admission the patient had a "fever" associated with sore throat and abdominal cramps which lasted about three days. The patient was then apparently well until two days later, when he suddenly developed generalized seizures and became lethargic. Family and past history were noncontributory. Examination showed that the patient was irritable, uncooperative, and restless. The throat was slightly congested. Heart, lungs, and abdomen showed no abnormal findings. No palpable