Unlike supraclinoid aneurysms, true aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery are extremely rare (less than 4% of the peripheral aneurysms). The commonest presentation is a pulsatile neck swelling below the angle of the jaw associated with hoarseness, dysphagia and pain (neural compression). Concomitance with other peripherical aneurysms is frequent and caused by atherosclerosis. The morphological and hemodynamic features are very well evaluated by Doppler ultrasound, when the acoustic window is satisfactory. Identification and evaluation of these aneurysms are very important to prevent thrombosis, rupture, dissections, massive strokes and embolic brain infarcts, besides helping in the decision of the best treatment.
Aneurysm; Extracranial internal carotid artery; Ultrasound; Doppler ultrasound; Color duplex Doppler ultrasound
