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Pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery following tonsillectomy
M Vávrová1, I Slezácek, P Vávra
1Municipal Hospital Department of Radiology, Ostrava-Fifejdy, Czech Republic. michaela.vavrova@volny.cz
Abstract:
Internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of deep neck infections. The authors report the case of a 17-year-old male who presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with an acute tonsillitis requiring tonsillectomy. Four weeks after the surgery the patient was readmitted because of progressive swallowing, trismus, and worsening headache. Computed tomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery in the extracranial segment. A bare Wallstent was implanted primarily and a complete occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm was achieved. The endovascular approach is a quick and safe method for the treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery.
Insights
Internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm, a rare complication of deep neck infections, can occur after tonsillectomy. Endovascular stent implantation successfully treated a pseudoaneurysm in a teenage patient, offering a safe and effective solution.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Deep neck infections are uncommon causes of internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.
- Tonsillectomy, a common surgical procedure, can rarely lead to such complications.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with symptoms of swallowing difficulty, trismus, and headache four weeks post-tonsillectomy.
- Computed tomography confirmed an extracranial pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery.
Findings:
- A bare Wallstent was successfully implanted, achieving complete pseudoaneurysm occlusion.
- The endovascular approach proved to be a rapid and safe treatment modality.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering vascular complications after head and neck surgery.
- Endovascular treatment offers a minimally invasive and effective option for managing internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.
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