Showered calcific emboli to the brain, the 'salted pretzel' sign, originating from the ipsilateral internal carotid artery causing acute cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Unenhanced head CT has become the first line imaging study in the evaluation of suspected acute cerebral ischemia. It is important to identify subtle findings of acute ischemia on this exam to direct appropriate patient management. Summary of Case- We report the first case of multiple pial surface distal internal carotid artery territory calcified emboli causing multifocal cerebral infarctions, likely from a carotid bifurcation source.

CONCLUSIONS

Visualization of multiple pial surface calcifications on unenhanced head CT, the 'salted pretzel sign', should raise suspicion for acute infarction from showered calcific emboli.