title: Spontaneous rupture of the common carotid artery presenting as a widened mediastinum.
abstract: Spontaneous rupture of the common carotid artery is an extremely rare disorder. Presentation in an elderly gentleman as a widened mediastinum with cardiac compromise has not been previously reported. Emergency surgical exploration to decompress the airway revealed a 5-mm tear just proximal to the left common carotid artery bifurcation and a large para-oesophageal haematoma. The case is reviewed and the possible causes discussed.
authors.affiliation: Yorkshire Heart Centre, Leeds General Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.lastname: Muzhar-Ur-Rehman
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Thorpe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006406:Hematoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods