Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery ( ICA ) Aneurysm Repair and End to End Anastamosis of the Artery

We present a case of extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm, which presented as an inflammatory submandibular swelling in the upper part of the right side of the neck. The lack of frank pulsatility and signs of inflammation though was a bit confusing, the Doppler and CT angiogram clinched the diagnosis. We were able to surgically resect and reform the ICA using the native vessel itself, which is an unusual technique, which we thought was worth presenting.


Introduction
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are uncommon and occur in a broad range of patients due to many etiologies.True aneurysms involving all layers of the carotid arterial wall and false aneurysms both occur.Overall, extracranial carotid artery aneurysm accounts for less than 1 percent of all arterial aneurysms and approximately 4 percent of peripheral artery aneurysms [1] [2] [3].Repair of extracranial carotid artery aneurysm represents 0.2 to 5 percent of carotid procedures depending upon the reporting institution [4].We present a case of extracranial ICA aneurysm, successfully operated in our institution with resection and end to end anastomosis of the same artery.

Case Report
A 37-year-old male, presenting with a painful swelling on the right side of the World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases neck, with the deviation of the tongue to the opposite side is presented.He had a Doppler test done elsewhere which showed aneurysmal mass at the level of right carotid bifurcation extending superiorly with displacement of neck vessels.Heterogeneous signal on Doppler, suggestive of aneurysm (with active flow) noted in the upper neck originating from the distal cervical ICA which is placed posteriorly in the carotid space compressing and displacing proximal ICA and its This limb was then anastomosed to the area of distal internal carotid artery through which the shunt had been inserted distally (Photo B-3).The anastomosis was performed using 6.0 polypropylene suture (Photo B-4).The shunt removed.Hemostasis attained and wound sutured in layers with a drain.
The patient was shifted to ICU in a stable hemodynamic condition.He had an uneventful post-operative stay in ICU and was shifted to the room on the third postoperative day.He was later discharged in good health.He was reviewed after one year and was in perfect health.

Discussion
Carotid artery aneurysms have various aetiologies and represent a taxing pathology with limited expertise and familiarity.The most common cause of extra cranial carotid artery aneurysms is atherosclerosis.These aneurysms tend to be fusiform and are almost always associated with arterial hypertension.Extra cranial carotid aneurysm repair comprises 0.1% to 2% of all carotid procedures [5] [6].The high incidence of cranial nerve compression and cerebrovascular events through embolization in untreated patients (68%) justifies invasive management for both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid aneurysms [7].Haemorrhage has also been seen as a complication of these aneurysms, although rupture remains uncommon.

Conclusion
Extracranial ICA aneurysm though is rare.We present the patient presented as a submandibular swelling with signs of inflammation.Luckily it was not incised by the local medical center as they suspected it to be an aneurysm, though it was not pulsatile.In fact on presentation, it was a tense painful swelling.Luckily we could come up with the diagnosis with Doppler and confirmed the anatomy by CT angiogram and proceed with surgery.Though resection and interposition graft were recommended, we could use the native ICA and reform the artery without any artificial graft.
Photo A. CT angiogram showing the aneurysm of the left ICA.
The surgical techniques applied to the management of extra cranial carotid aneurysms are ligation (or angiographic occlusion), DOI: 10.4236/wjcd.2019.94025298 World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases endoaneurysmoraphy, resection with primary anastomosis, resection with graft replacement, or stent grafting.In the era of endovascular surgery, techniques used for occlusive disease are extrapolated as minimally invasive alternatives to conventional surgical treatment of extra cranial carotid artery aneurysms.The combined stroke and mortality rate of surgical reconstruction reported by the Texas