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Posttraumatic internal carotid aneurysm presenting as a nasal sinus lesion
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|October 1, 1986
Summary
This study describes a rare asymptomatic internal carotid artery aneurysm mistaken for a mucocele. Successful treatment involved intraoperative arteriography and electrothrombotic coagulation, preserving artery flow.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Posttraumatic aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are uncommon.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to the absence of classic symptoms and imaging findings.
Observation:
- An asymptomatic ICA aneurysm presented within the sphenoidal and ethmoidal sinuses.
- Initial diagnosis was a mucocele due to lack of epistaxis, visual disturbances, or evident fracture on imaging.
- No abnormalities were noted during neurosurgical evaluations for six years post-trauma.
Findings:
- Intraoperative arteriography successfully localized the aneurysm.
- Electrothrombotic coagulation achieved hemostasis within the aneurysm, preserving ICA blood flow.
- This approach led to successful treatment of the posttraumatic aneurysm.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion and prompt arteriography are crucial for managing these rare aneurysms.
- Increased survival from head trauma may lead to more frequent cases of posttraumatic ICA aneurysms.
- This case highlights an effective minimally invasive treatment strategy.