Carotid Anomalies and Their Implication in ENT Surgery

Carotid Anomalies are with significant surgical implication to an Otorhinolaryngologist. The authors discuss the evaluation and management of a child with Pierre Robin Syndrome who presented with severe OSA, secondary to bilateral midline carotids that compromised the airway, and an adult with cervical bolus and dysphagia who presented similar to chronic tonsillitis but found to have Retropharyngeal Carotids. This case study emphasizes the need for awareness and a high index of suspicion to identify the variation of the carotid artery in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal surgery that has a propensity to result in catastrophic consequences if operated upon.