Aneurysm of the internal carotid artery

Abstract

Aneurysms of the extracranial internalcarotid artery are rare. There are few reports in the medical literature about the etiology of this disease, relating it to atherosclerosis, arteritis and alterations due to trauma or after a surgical procedure. The natural history of this disease has not been defined. However, the potential risk of embolism or rupture creates a need for intervention. We will present the case of a 71 year old woman with pulsatile headaches who was diagnosed a 3 cm aneurysm of the right extracranial internal carotid artery. After an unsuccessful attempt at endovascular treatment, we performed an aneurysmectomy and primary arterial anastomosis near the cranium base.