A Case of Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Mimicking Peritonsillar Abscess

Abstract

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is an uncommon disease that otorhinolaryngologists may encounter only rarely. It usually presents as pulsatile neck mass or as other neurologic symptoms. We report a case of extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm in an 81-year old female who presented with a fever and nonpulsatile oropharyngeal swelling mimicking a peritonsillar abscess. Incision and drainage of the swelling lesion could have resulted in catastrophic events such as aneurismal rupture or a stroke. We thus recommend radiologic evaluations of peritonsillar abscess before performing any procedure, even if it is clinically highly suspicious.