Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms

An aneurysm occurs when part of a blood vessel swells.  This causes the blood vessel to be damaged and weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.  As blood pressure builds up it balloons out at its weakest point.  Peripheral aneurysms are the type of aneurysms that affect the vessels such as the carotid that is located in your neck.  This type of an aneurysms is called an extracranial carotid aneurysm.  Symptoms of the type of an aneurysm is a stroke.  If this occurs it needs emergent attention.  Some slightly less severe symptoms may include facial swelling or difficulty swallowing. 

The treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm.  For example, it the aneurysm is very small the patient's doctor may choose to monitor the patient's condition very carefully.  This will be done by using CT, MR, or US.  Prescriptions may be needed to control blood pressure or to help with clotting of the blood.  If the aneurysm is severe, surgery will be performed.  Also, a stent could also be placed into the carotid.

AP carotid angiogram revealed an aneurysm at the left internal carotid artery distal to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery.

image found at http://www.eurorad.org/eurorad/view_figure.php

 

 

Daisy

Information found at http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/extracranial_carotid_aneurysm/heart_overview.aspx