The Dolichoarteriopathia of Common Carotid Artery Narrowing the Airway

Tortuousity of the common carotid artery is rarely seen in otorinolaryngologic practice. In this report, a case of tortuous common carotid artery narrowing the airway and indenting the epiglottis is presented. In endoscopic examination, pulsating bulge at the level of right lateral farengeal wall, pyriform sinus and larynx was found in a 73 year-old female. Computerized tomographic scan showed tortuous right common carotid artery bulging the submucosal area of the oropharynx and pyriform sinus. Awareness of the tortuous common carotid artery before any laryngologic surgical intervention is very important to prevent serious complications.