An 83-year-old male presented with bilateral carotid stenosis. Stenosis on the left side was reported to be greater than 70%. A left carotid endarterectomy was undertaken to increase the lumen size and remove the atherosclerotic plaque. During Surgery, the hyoid bone was observed to have a 2-cm calcified horn capable of compressing the carotid artery. This unusual compression was confirmed by radiographic images. In cases where the carotid artery is compressed by the hyoid bone, a carotid endarterectomy rather than a stent may be the procedure of choice.
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