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Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.
K P de Jong1, P E Zondervan, H van Urk
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Vascular Surgery
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are rare but treatable. Surgical correction is safe and recommended for all identified aneurysms, regardless of symptoms, to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are uncommon vascular lesions.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to the normal diameter variations of the carotid bulb.
- Aneurysms stem from various causes including atherosclerosis, congenital defects, mycotic infections, and post-surgical complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define diagnostic criteria for extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical intervention.
- To establish guidelines for differentiating physiological dilatation from pathological aneurysm formation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 extracranial carotid aneurysms in 14 patients from 1976-1986.
- Application of a technique to predict normal vessel diameters for quantifying dilatation.
- Surgical treatment for 11 patients.
Main Results:
- Eleven patients underwent surgery with no mortality and no new neurological deficits.
- Minimal morbidity was observed in six patients post-operatively.
- A method was developed to quantify dilatation and establish diagnostic criteria for aneurysms.
Conclusions:
- Surgical correction of accessible carotid artery aneurysms is a safe and effective procedure.
- Operative intervention is recommended for all carotid artery aneurysms, irrespective of presenting symptoms.
- Clear guidelines are provided for distinguishing physiological carotid bulb dilatation from pathological aneurysm formation.