Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.
2020 Oct;63(10):479-483. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2020.00017.
A Case of Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Mimicking Peritonsillar Abscess
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
- KMID: 2508059
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2020.00017
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.
