A carotid artery aneurysm with a twist: case report and review.
BACKGROUND
Since their original description in 1687, aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) remain rare and account for less than 2% of all carotid operations (Zwolak et al. in: J Vasc Surg 1:415-422, 1984; El-Sabrout, Cooley in: J Vasc Surg 31:702-712, 2000). Cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality rates remain high without intervention (Zwolak et al. in: Vasc Surg 1:415-422, 1984).


METHODS
We report an unusual case of a saccular extracranial ICA aneurysm associated with kinking of the ICA and highlight the potential complications and risks associated with such an extreme anatomical deformation.


CONCLUSIONS
Extracranial ICA aneurysm can be associated with unusual anatomical variations which can lead to unstable clinical symptomatology due to the variable presence of atherosclerotic material. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, surgical repair is not without risks and patients need to be informed of the potential complications.
Noad
R L
RL
Regional Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Belfast City Hospital, c/o Level 5 secretaries, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AB, Northern Ireland, UK.
O'Donnell
M E
ME
McCavert
M
M
Gardner
R
R
Lee
B
B
Lau
L L
LL
D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography