Huge Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Presenting as Tonsillar Asymmetry

Altin G., Sanli A., Erdogan B. A., Paksoy M., Aydin S., Altintoprak N.

JOURNAL OF CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY, vol.23, no.5, pp.1565-1567, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/scs.0b013e31825b392d
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1565-1567
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Aneurysms of the extracranial portion of the carotid artery are extremely rare. Internal carotid artery aneurysm is an uncommon cause of tonsillary asymmetry. Although internal carotid artery aneurysms usually remain asymptomatic, the clinical manifestation requires the tonsillar enlargement. Asymmetry as a sole determining factor for tonsillectomy may lead to unnecessary operations. We report a patient with a giant internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting as tonsillary asymmetry that might be mistaken for a tonsillar neoplasia. When faced with a tonsillar asymmetry, an otolaryngologist must keep aneurysms in mind.