Stent-graft treatment of traumatic carotid artery dissecting pseudoaneurysm.

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare but serious complication following blunt or penetrating trauma. These lesions are difficult to repair surgically. Endovascular management, including parent vessel occlusion, bare stent placement, and stent-assisted coil placement, are reported to be safe and effective but have certain disadvantages. Placement of covered stent grafts has been recently reported but without enough follow-up results to achieve consensus.

METHODS

In this investigation, we present our experience with seven cases of traumatic ICA dissecting pseudoaneurysm treated with stent graft with follow-up between 1 and 33 months.

RESULTS

Among the seven patients, one patient died due to septic shock 7 days after stenting. Follow-up angiography or Doppler ultrasound of the other six patients revealed optimal result with occluded pseudoaneurysm without restenosis of the ICA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that placement of stent grafts is a safe and effective method for treating ICA traumatic-dissecting pseudoaneurysm.