Bilateral Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms Treated by Staged Surgical Repair

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) are very rare. The case of a patient with bilateral ECAA who underwent staged surgical repair is reported. Report: A 35 year old man was referred with a slow growing pulsatile neck mass causing mild discomfort. Computed tomography and duplex ultrasound showed a right ECAA, with a 3.0 cm diameter 5 cm long true aneurysm, and a left ECAA, with 2.1 cm diameter 4.5 cm long true aneurysm. In two stages, both aneurysms were excised and bypassed with an interposition graft using saphenous vein. Discussion: ECAAs are rare with an incidence of about 4% of all peripheral aneurysms. Selection of treatment options is largely dependent on the aneurysm anatomy, including size and length. During open repair, it is important to avoid nerve injury. Keywords: Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm