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Microsurgical Clip Obliteration of Middle Cerebral Aneurysm Using Intraoperative Flow Assessment
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Microsurgical Clip Obliteration of Middle Cerebral Aneurysm Using Intraoperative Flow Assessment

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Mycotic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery presenting with multiple cerebral septic emboli

Spyros Papadoulas1, Petros Zampakis, Alexandros Liamis

  • 1Department of Surgery, Vascular Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.

Vascular
|August 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mycotic aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery are rare but dangerous. Prompt surgical intervention and antibiotics are crucial to prevent severe complications like brain embolism and death.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Mycotic aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery are uncommon vascular lesions.
  • Rupture and death are common outcomes if left untreated.
  • Septic embolization to the brain is a rare but devastating complication.

Observation:

  • A 79-year-old male presented with hemiparesis due to brain embolism.
  • The cause was identified as an extracranial internal carotid artery mycotic aneurysm.
  • Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia was present concurrently.

Findings:

  • Multidetector computed tomographic angiography facilitated diagnosis.
  • Surgical resection of the mycotic aneurysm was performed.
  • Arterial supply to the brain was restored using vein graft interpositioning.
  • Long-term antibiotic treatment was administered.

Implications:

  • A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosing mycotic carotid aneurysms.
  • Aggressive surgical and medical management is essential.
  • Timely intervention can prevent fatal complications such as rupture and stroke.

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