Ruptured large carotid artery aneurysm

Carotid artery aneurysms are rare [1]. Bifurcation of the common carotid artery is most frequently reported site of true aneurysm in the extracranial carotid system. Blunt injury of the neck involves high cervical portion of the internal carotid artery. Large aneurysms of the carotid artery can distort the anatomy and one can anticipate the intubation difficulties during anesthesia induction. A man aged 25 years, weighing 35 Kilograms was admitted in emergency with a large swelling (bleeding) on the right side of neck, covered with a bandage. In a rural hospital, biopsy was attempted, wounds were packed with gauze as there was profuse bleeding and referred the patient to our hospital. Spiral CT angiogram showed a large aneurysm arising from the bifurcation of the right common carotid artery. He complained of dysphagia for the past 20 days. In the CT scan the internal carotid artery was found to be occluded without neurological deficit. During surgery the common carotid, external carotid arteries were dissected out, clamped, ligated and thrombi were evacuated. The unhealthy and inflamed tissues were debrided. The wound was closed with a drain. Postoperative recovery was uneventful without neurological deficits.