Giant extracranial aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in neurofibromatosis type 1. A case report and review of the literature

Interv Neuroradiol. 2012 Sep;18(3):341-7. doi: 10.1177/159101991201800315. Epub 2012 Sep 10.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by cutaneous pigmentations, neurofibromas, Lisch nodules and neuroectodermal tumors. Supra-aortic vessel aneurysms may affect patients with NF-1 and can be associated with rupture, ischemic complications and compression symptoms. We describe a 48-year-old woman with NF-1 and an extracranial 3×5 cm right internal carotid artery aneurysm. After balloon test occlusion the patient was treated with parent artery sacrifice which led to significant shrinkage on follow-up MR and reduction of compression symptoms. The literature concerning internal carotid artery aneurysms associated with NF-1 is reviewed evaluating the possible therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Aneurysm / etiology*
  • Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Balloon Occlusion*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / etiology*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / therapy*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / pathology*
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*