Septic erosion of the internal carotid artery. A case report

A case of pseudo-aneurysm of the internal carotid artery with arterio-venous fistula formation, involvement of the vagus and sympathetic nerves and proptosis is described. The diagnostic features are stressed, namely: recurrent minor haemorrhages from the nose and throat, a Horner's Syndrome, a swelling resembling a quinsy and involvement of the last four cranial nerves. Early diagnosis and immediate ligation are essential in these cases.