Abstract
The extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm (EICAA) is an uncommon arterial lesion. Patients typically present with neurologic symptoms resulting from impaired cerebral perfusion and compression symptoms of cranial nerves. Often EICAA presents as a pulsatile neck mass, which is otherwise asymptomatic. We present a case of an 84-year-old female, who was initially referred to the Emergency Department for Otolaryngology with suspected peritonsillar abscess. The patient had a history of recent upper airway infection and cardiovascular comorbidities, including hypertension and ischaemic stroke complicated by extensive neurologic deficits. Physical examination revealed a compact, nonpulsatile mass in the lateral parapharyngeal space and local erythema of the mucosa. Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography revealed an atherosclerotic aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery, measuring 63 × 55 × 88 mm, stretching from the skull base to the angle of the mandible.
Highlights
Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (EICAA) are rare vascular lesions, most commonly caused by atherosclerosis
We report case of a patient with EICAA, initially diagnosed with peritonsillar abscess, and provide a short review of relevant literature focusing on diagnostic procedure
The patient had a history of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and ischaemic stroke, complicated by left-sided hemiplegia, facial nerve palsy, hemispatial neglect, and dysarthria
Summary
Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (EICAA) are rare vascular lesions, most commonly caused by atherosclerosis. Manifestations are usually neurological and result from decreased perfusion of central nervous system; patients present with symptoms of nerve and aerodigestive tract compression. Often the only sign is palpable neck mass [1, 2]. We report case of a patient with EICAA, initially diagnosed with peritonsillar abscess, and provide a short review of relevant literature focusing on diagnostic procedure
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have