Mycotic Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery

Mycotic aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery are rare. We describe a case of a patient with an aneurysm of extracranial internal carotid artery, presented as a swelling at the right submandibular triangle. Carotid angiography revealed a saccular aneurysm. During the operation, an abscess, due to Salmonella, was found around the aneurysm. Ten days later, after the drainage of the pus, new carotid angiography revealed thrombosis of the right internal carotid artery. Two months later, the physical condition of our patient improved. Atherosclerosis, trauma, and many microbial agents are common causes of the aneurysm. The symptoms of the aneurysm may vary according to its size and location. Pain over the aneurysm is a common symptom. Rupture of the aneurysm is the most dramatic complication. Clinical examination, color Doppler ultrasonography, angiography, and computed tomography are the most common diagnostic modalities. Differential diagnosis must be done from other expansive pathologies. Resection of the aneurysmatic sac with restoration of flow is the preferred method of treatment.