Successful treatment of iatrogenic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm following carotid endarterectomy with thrombin injection: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2024 Jun 18;18(1):282. doi: 10.1186/s13256-024-04606-z.

Abstract

Background: Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms arising from the internal carotid artery subsequent to carotid endarterectomy are exceptionally infrequent. Herein, we present a case detailing an internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm that manifested subsequent to a hybrid carotid endarterectomy and endovascular therapy intervention. Our approach to managing this condition involved a novel technique wherein thrombin was directly injected into the luminal cavity of the pseudoaneurysm under the guidance of a C-arm.

Case presentation: A 66-year-old male patient of Chinese ethnicity exhibited a 4-month history of headache and a 20-day history of gait disturbance. Digital subtraction angiography revealed occlusion in the cervical region of the left carotid artery. Following a hybrid surgical procedure, the patient reported mild pain and bruising surrounding the incision site of the left internal carotid artery endarterectomy. Subsequent angiography identified the presence of a carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. Utilizing C-arm guidance, thrombin was then directly injected into the luminal cavity of the pseudoaneurysm, resulting in complete healing during follow-up.

Conclusion: For the management of pseudoaneurysms arising post carotid endarterectomy, the direct injection of thrombin into the aneurysm cavity under the guidance of a C-arm is deemed both safe and efficacious.

Keywords: C-arm guidance; Carotid endarterectomy; Hybrid surgery; Pseudoaneurysm; Thrombin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Carotid Artery Injuries* / etiology
  • Carotid Artery Injuries* / surgery
  • Carotid Artery, Internal*
  • Endarterectomy, Carotid* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease*
  • Male
  • Thrombin* / administration & dosage
  • Thrombin* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Thrombin