Coil embolization for treating post-traumatic external occipital artery aneurysm, a case report with a literature review

Abstract

Background: Aneurysms of the external carotid artery and its branches are rare, and aneurysms of the external occipital artery (EOA) are even more uncommon. EOA aneurysms are mostly represented by pseudo aneurysms and present with a tender, compressive and pulsating mass. Treatment options include surveillance, surgical excision, and endovascular embolization. Methods: We used the PubMed database to perform a review of the literature on the EOA aneurysms. Case report: This report describes a post-traumatic EOA aneurysm in a 19-year-old male patient. The patient presented with a pulsatile mass in the occipital region. Computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed an EOA aneurysm measuring 12 × 6 mm. Treatment and outcome: Endovascular coils embolization was performed successfully to treat the aneurysm. The patient's clinical outcome was favorable, with no adverse events reported during follow-up. Conclusion: This case report highlights the successful management of an EOA aneurysm using endovascular coils embolization. While this treatment approach is minimally invasive, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. Surgical excision remains a viable option, particularly when there are concerns about the risk of rupture or other complications. The optimal treatment approach should be individualized based on patient characteristics and preferences. Further research is needed to better define treatment algorithms and evaluate long-term outcomes.

Keywords

• External occipital artery
• Endovascular
• Coil embolization
• Post-traumatic aneurysm
• Pseudo aneurysm