Endovascular occlusion of a carotid pseudoaneurysm complicating deep neck space infection in a child - Case report

Pseudoaneurysm formation of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare, potentially lethal complication of deep neck space infection. This e ntity typically occurs following otolaryngological or upper respiratory tra ct infection. The pseudoaneurysm is heralded by a pulsatile neck mass, Horn er's syndrome, lower cranial neuropathies, and/or hemorrhage that may be ma ssive. The recommended treatment includes prompt arterial ligation. The authors present a case of pseudoaneurysm of the cervical ICA complicati ng a deep neck space infection. A parapharyngeal Staphylococcus aureus absc ess developed in a previously healthy 6-year-old girl after she experienced pharyngitis. The abscess was drained via an intraoral approach. On postope rative Day 3, the patient developed a pulsatile neck mass, lethargy, ipsila teral Horner's syndrome, and hemoptysis, which resulted in hemorrhagic shoc k. Treatment included emergency endovascular occlusion of the cervical ICA and postembolization antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks. The patient has made an uneventful recovery as of her 18-month follow-up evaluation. Conclusions drawn from this experience and a review of the literature inclu de the following: 1) mycotic pseudoaneurysms of the carotid arteries have a typical clinical presentation that should enable timely recognition; 2) th ese lesions occur more commonly in children than in adults; 3) angiography with a view to performing endovascular occlusion should be undertaken promp tly; and 4) endovascular occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm is a viable treatm ent option.