Angiosarcoma mimicking a recurrent carotid artery aneurysm

Abstract

Background: Carotid aneurysm is a rare condition and mostly caused by atherosclerosis, trauma, or fibrodysplasia. Angiosarcoma is an unusual cause for large vessels' aneurysms and a rare malignant neoplasm that may occur in any region of the body, yet seldom originates in the large blood vessels. We report a rare case of an angiosarcoma in the wall of a recurrent carotid aneurysm.

Method: We undertook a literature review, and only a few cases of vascular aneurysms are reported to be involving or be caused by angiosarcoma. The main aneurysms affected are those of aortic and popliteal arteries. We report the case of a 61-year-old man with an angiosarcoma of the carotid artery. Biopsy of the arterial wall confirmed angiosarcoma.

Conclusion: From our study, we conclude that an unresolving or recurring aneurysm with equivocal radiological investigations should raise the suspicion of malignancy.