Pseudoaneurysm of the external carotid artery branch following radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Rupture of irradiated arteries in patients with head and neck cancer is an uncommon complication. We present the first case of a pseudoaneurysm of the external carotid artery branch that developed after irradiation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and was successfully treated by microcoil embolization therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this unusual complication to avoid a potentially erroneous management. © 2007 Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research.