Large Carotid Aneurysm: An Illustrative Case of Open Surgical Repair

Abstract

Background Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are rare and are often localized at the level of the carotid bulb or in the distal internal carotid artery. Generally asymptomatic until an embolic event or a local compression reveals their presence, the rupture is rare. Case Report We presented a case of a 68-year-old female referred to our hospital for a pulsatile mass on the right side of her neck with no other symptoms. The patient had a history of hypertension that was medically controlled. The duplex ultrasound confirmed the presence of a large internal carotid aneurysm. Angiotomography shows a large 5 cm diameter type 1 aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery and a type 1 2.7 cm diameter of the left carotid artery. Open surgery with aneurysmal resection and direct end-to-end anastomosis was performed with an uneventful course. Conclusion This is an illustrative case of managing large carotid aneurysms by open surgery.