Aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery.

Aneurysm of the carotid artery is a rare pathology. According to the modern concepts, aneurysm of the artery is classified as a local enlargement of its diameter, namely by over than 50% as compared to the adjacent unchanged segment. In addition to the establishment as to whether aneurysm is present, the aims of examination consist in specification of the site, size, presence and extent of the interluminal thrombus. Duplex scanning is highly effective in so-called <> aneurysms, whereas in distal lesions its potential is insufficient. Today the greatest information content may be attained due to the application of spiral computed tomography (CT) by means of three-dimensional reconstruction or MRT but CT is more preferable. It is necessary to carefully visualize the intracranial bed.