Rupture of radiation-induced internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma--spontaneous occlusion of carotid artery due to long-term embolizing performance.
BACKGROUND
Rupture of internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is a lethal complication in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Angiography is the best diagnostic and treatment method. The aim of embolization is to block the pseudoaneurysm; but sometimes, total occlusion of great vessels is ineludible. We describe a case of NPC post-radiation therapy and with ruptured pseudoaneurysm treated by angio-embolization.


METHODS
The patient had received embolization with numerous tools such as stent grafts, balloons, and bare stents with or without filter protection.


RESULTS
After failing to pass through the narrow lumen by embolizing tools, the right ICA finally occluded spontaneously by self-thrombosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the angio-embolization is a good method to resolve the problems of ruptured pseudoaneurysm, there is still high mortality and morbidity. Being aware of the clinical presentations and the changes of images may alert us to predict the happening earlier.
Cheng
Kai-Yuan
KY
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. littlekaiyuan@yahoo.com.tw
Lee
Ka-Wo
KW
Chiang
Feng-Yu
FY
Ho
Kuen-Yao
KY
Kuo
Wen-Rei
WR
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012421:Rupture / Q000628:therapy