Resection of a recurrent cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm after failed endovascular therapy

Recurrence of a cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm initially treated by endovascular means is rare. We report an instance where a patient returned with a recurrent, enlarging cervical ICA pseudoaneursym, 15 years after initial complete, endovascular occlusion of the ICA.

Patient is a 64-year-old male with a history of a right cervical ICA pseudoaneurysm diagnosed 15 years ago after a car accident. At the time, he received endovascular occlusion of his right ICA. Recent serial imaging demonstrated progressive enlargement of his pseudoaneurysm, up to 6 cm × 5 cm × 5.5 cm, without evidence of internal flow or extravasation. Due to dysphagia and hoarseness, resection of the pseudoaneurysm was recommended. Dissection occurred down to the lesion, where its borders were skeletonized. Its stump at the proximal ICA was mobilized and clamped; the lesion was incised and the existing thrombus, as well as the coil mass, was removed. The distal ICA appeared completely scarred with no retrograde filling. There were branches from the external carotid artery that appeared to supply the pseudoaneurysm. The scarred remnant of the distal ICA was sutured and the stump at the proximal ICA was ligated. Once hemostasis was obtained, closure occurred via anatomical layers. Postoperatively, the patient woke up well; at discharge, he exhibited no respiratory distress or dysphagia. At 5 months follow-up, a computed tomography angiography of the neck revealed no evidence for a residual pseudoaneurysm. He continues on lifelong aspirin.

Recurrence of a cervical ICA pseudoaneursym is rare. We caution that such a clinical scenario is possible, even 15 years after endovascular occlusion of the ICA. Branches from the external carotid artery may feed the pseudoaneursym and cause recurrence. This mechanism has not been reported. Perhaps longer clinical follow-up is necessary, especially if endovascular therapy is the initial treatment option.