Carotid Endarterectomy in the Face of a Persistent Hypoglossal Artery

A 68-year-old woman presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of a cerebrovascular accident. Her work-up revealed left internal carotid artery stenosis consistent with her presentation of a left middle cerebral artery distribution stroke. Imaging also incidentally revealed a persistent hypoglossal artery. She underwent carotid endarterectomy. Our intraoperative strategy for management of this persistent fetal anomaly is reviewed.