Slow-Flow Venous Vascular Malformation in the Carotid Sheath

Slow-flow venous vascular malformation is a benign lesion characterized by an abnormal but non-cancerous growth of capillaries. In the carotid space, a slow-flow venous vascular malformation is an exceptionally uncommon occurrence. Here, we present the case of a 58-year-old man who had been experiencing a slow-growing lump on the left side of his neck for the past four years. Upon conducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck soft tissues and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck, imaging findings revealed a venous vascular malformation within the carotid sheath. Venous vascular malformation in the carotid space is rarely reported in the medical literature. The unique imaging findings for venous vascular malformation make our case distinct, which deviates from the more common entities usually encountered in this area, such as schwannoma or carotid body tumor. The atypical presentation of this case has brought about greater awareness among the medical community and readers alike.