Tortuous internal carotid artery indenting the piriform sinus: a case report

A case of tortuous internal carotid artery bulging and partially obliterating the piriform sinus, causing a sensation of fullness and abnormal throat, accompanied by choking spells in a 57-year-old patient is presented. Endoscopic examination and computerized tomographic angiography were useful in establishing the diagnosis. This rare anomaly should be recognized in order to prevent possible fatal hemorrhages during further surgical interventions of the piriform sinus.