Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society
|
|
Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society |
|
|
|
#19 TRUE ANEURYSMS OF THE EXTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Carey A. Cullinane, MD, Robert L. Hewitt, MD, and Donald L. Akers, Jr, MD
Tulane University Medical School New Orleans, LA
Aneurysmal disease of the extracranial carotid arteries is a relatively rare occurrence. Most aneurysms involve the common or the internal carotid artery, the majority occurring secondary to atherosclerotic disease. In contrast, all previously reported external carotid artery aneurysms have been pseudoaneurysms following trauma or infection. The initial diagnosis of aneurysmal disease of the carotid may be complicated by associated symptomatology, which may lead one to confuse the swelling with an inflammatory or malignant process.
The definitive diagnosis and treatment can often be delayed due to confusion regarding the patient's present condition. This is especially true with external carotid artery aneurysms. We wish to report the first case of a true aneurysm of the external carotid artery. The aneurysm began at the origin of the external carotid artery and the upper limit was at the origin of the lingual artery. The difficulties with the diagnosis and the surgical treatment in this case will be discussed. In addition, we will review the literature concerning external carotid artery aneurysm and difficulties with diagnosis and management.
Return to Master Program
Last updated January 10, 1999