Extracranial internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms after kinking reconstruction

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to describe our experience of infected false aneurysm treatment following internal carotid artery (ICA) reconstruction. Five and 6 years before admission, bilateral reconstruction was done because of ICA kinking at a local health center. The patient was symptomless for 5 years but later became partially symptomatic (dizziness, vertigo, and visibly bilateral neck pulsatile masses). On routinely performed ultrasonography and multislice scanner examinations, the bilateral ICA pseudoaneurysms were revealed. The final treatment was surgery and aneurysmal sac resection followed by end-to-end arterial reconstruction. A right-sided wound swab was positive; Staphylococcus aureus was cultured. Antibiotics were administered: teicoplanin (Targocid) 800 mg as an initial dose followed by 400 mg maintenance doses over the following 4 days. After 1 month, left ICA reconstruction was done and a wound swab showed staphylococcal infection as well. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient was doing well; cerebral vascularization was well preserved. Infected false aneurysms are rare complications following carotid artery reconstruction. Aneurysmal sac resection and arterial reconstruction with end-to-end anastomosis or autologous saphenous vein are recommended. A wound swab is mandatory.