A case report of inflammatory pseudotumor of carotid artery with radiologic-pathological-surgical findings

Abstract

BackgroundInflammatory pseudotumor is an unusual benign entity that can mimic malignancy in many different organ systems.Case presentationWe present a patient with a neck mass, which clinically and radiologically appeared to be a malignant tumor that encircled a segment of the left common carotid artery. The operation was performed and further histopathological evaluation confirmed this mass to be an inflammatory pseudotumor. After 4 years follow up, no recurrence was observed for this patient.ConclusionsDespite its rarity, IPT is important because it can simulate neoplastic disease. The contrast imaging may be helpful in differential diagnosis, but no findings are characteristic. The diagnosis of the IPT of carotid artery can be challenging for the surgeons. Certain diagnosis depends on either core biopsy or intra- or post-operative pathological examination. The surgical excision may be a curative option.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-015-0020-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy Due to Pseudotumor of Left Common Carotid Artery

“…IPT of the carotid sheath was first described by Brunn in 1939. 1 The most common areas of IPT are the orbits, head, and neck. IPT of the carotid artery is a rare entity and diagnosis is usually reached after biopsy of the thickened carotid sheath.…”