Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery. Importance of echo-Doppler evaluation of the intimal damage

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2001 Oct;42(5):679-81.

Abstract

Nonpenetrating traumas of the extracranial carotid artery are uncommon and frequently involve the carotid bifurcation. We report a case of asymptomatic post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery in a 32-year-old woman, detected by chance 12 years after a cervical injury. Of all the investigations, only echo-Doppler permitted the detection of an intimal tear at the level of the aneurysmatic dilatation. After aneurysmectomy, 8 mm PTFE graft replacement was carried out. We believe that routine use of echo-Doppler ultrasonography in all asymptomatic patients with a definite history of contusive cervical trauma should be recommended. In our opinion, the absolute surgical indication resulted from the local and neurological complications potentially stemming from the pseudoaneurysmatic dilatation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / etiology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler*
  • Whiplash Injuries / complications