Successful Use of Covered Stent for Carotid Artery Injury with Active Medial Projecting Extravasation

Nontraumatic carotid artery injury with active extravasation, or carotid blowout syndrome (CBS), is relatively rare and highly difficult to treat because it is difficult to approach the lesions owing to anatomic factors. It also involves quick progression and a risk of cerebral embolization caused by thrombi and carotid artery occlusion. Recently, covered stents were revealed to be effective for CBS. However, they have several disadvantages, such as their costs, rebleeding complications, or cerebral embolic risks. A firm selection method of CBS types that are appropriate for covered-stent therapy is expected.

A 38-year-old man with esophageal cancer presented with massive hematemesis. Computed tomography revealed active extravasation from the left common carotid artery with medial projection. Initially, the open direct approach failed, which resulted in further bleeding and transient cardiopulmonary arrest. With tentative hemostasis using manual finger compression, emergency angiography was performed, and a covered stent, Fluency 8 mm × 60 mm, was placed at the rupture point. He was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital 36 days after admission with a modified Rankin score of 2 without major complications.

CBS cases having rupture points around the clavicle and having medial projection extravasation should be treated by covered stent placement under tentative hemostasis using manual finger pressure rather than conventional open surgical treatment.