title: Carotid artery aneurysms: an otolaryngologic perspective.
abstract: Aneurysms of the carotid arteries are relatively rare and can present difficult diagnostic problems. They may occur anywhere along the course of the carotid artery in its cervical route, petrous portion, or intracranial extension. The associated clinical findings may range from a simple neck mass to a variety of neurologic deficits. Symptoms of headache, facial pain, tinnitus, vertigo, epistaxis, hoarseness, and dysphagia may require otolaryngologic evaluation. The high morbidity and mortality associated with the natural history of carotid aneurysms makes their early detection essential. Although these lesions have been a subject of great interest in the neurological and neurosurgical literature, surprisingly little has been written to bring them to the attention of otolaryngologists. A review of the literature and an assessment of 10 cases of extracranial carotid aneurysms treated at the University of Pennsylvania in the past 10 years form the basis of this report. Patients with aneurysms involving various portions of the carotid system are presented to illustrate the numerous head and neck manifestations these lesions produce. Differential diagnosis, etiology, natural history, and current management of carotid aneurysms are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005352:Fibromuscular Dysplasia / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries