Aneurysm of the Kinked Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aneurysms at the extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery are rare disorders. In the largest series, McCollum reported only 37 cases over a 21 year period (1) and Moreau reported 35 cases over a 24 year period (2). This uncommon but interesting vascular disorder usually presents as a parapharyngeal pulsatile mass. It can be partially or completely thrombosed and can thereby cause embolization or compression of neuronal vasculature. Ruptures and ischaemic events are other complications. Therefore the mortality rate in nonoperated patients is very high. The major etiologic factor is atherosclerosis. Sometimes, trauma may be another cause. Surgery is recommended for symptomatic aneurysms in patients at all ages. The aim of this paper is to report the symptoms and clinical findings of a patient with a kinked extracranial internal carotid artery with aneurysm and to review the literature.