Imaging diagnosis of the carotid artery pseudoa-neurysm in head and neck / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE To make a further understanding of the imaging findings of the carotid artery pseudoaneurysm (CAPA) in head and neck and to explore the clinical value of imaging in diagnosis of it, especially the angiographic diagnosis. METHODS The clinical and imaging data of 36 patients with CAPA were analyzed retrospectively. The imaging appearances in all of the patients were observed by two experienced radiologists together and formed a consensus interpretation. RESULTS Imaging examination can establish definitive diagnosis in all cases. The parent arteries included the common carotid artery (2 case), common carotid artery bifurcation (18 cases), internal carotid artery (10 cases) and external carotid artery (2 cases). The imaging features of the CAPA werethe contrast media retained in the aneuysm in all cases;the aneuysm lumen with turbulent flow in 18 cases;the"jetting sign"at the leak of the parent artery in 14 cases;increase of bifurcation angles of internal and external carotid arteries in 24 cases. CONCLUSION Imaging examination is the most valuable examination method in diagnosis of CAPA, and it can not only make definitive diagnosis, but also play an important role in selection of therapeutic planning.