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CT images were reconstructed by using weighted filtered back-projection and iterative metal artifact reduction. Two neuroradiologists evaluated images in the region of spinal hardware and assigned a score for the visualization of critical anatomic structures by using soft-tissue and bone windows. Using bone windows, they measured the length of the most pronounced linear artifacts. Visualization of critical soft-tissue anatomic structures was significantly improved by using iterative metal artifact reduction, but there was not a significant improvement in visualization of critical osseous structures. Routine generation of these iterative reconstructed images in addition to routine weighted filtered back-projection is recommended.

Carotid web was defined on CTA as a thin intraluminal filling defect along the posterior wall of the carotid bulb just beyond the carotid bifurcation on oblique sagittal section CTA that was seen as a septum on axial CTA. In the prospective series in this study, the mean age was 50 years, and 5 of 7 patients were women. Recurrent stroke was seen in 5 of 7. Histopathology suggested a high probability of fibromuscular dysplasia. In the retrospective series, carotid webs were seen in 7 of 576 patients. Carotid web may be an important cause of ischemic stroke in patients with otherwise no determined mechanism of stroke and may present a high risk of recurrent stroke.