[The internal carotid artery as a pulsating protrusion into the pharyngeal wall]

This case report describes an aberrant course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in a patient presenting with symptoms of globus sensation, mild chronic cough and occasional aspiration. Clinically, a pulsating oro-hypopharyngeal tumour could only be visualized by fiberlaryngoscopy. A CT-scan showed a tortuous ICA protruding into the lateral and posterior pharyngeal wall. This condition may need treatment in itself, and it can lead to co-morbidity and serious surgical complications in undiagnosed patients. Referral to an oto-rhino-laryngologist is highly recommended for diagnostics.