CASE REPORTS   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2008 August;167(4):181-3

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Aberrant internal carotid artery presenting in the retropharyngeal space. Case report

Gorini E. ¹, Mevio N. ¹, Mullace M. ¹, Mevio E. ¹, Passoni F. ²

¹ ENT Department, Legnano Health Service Fornaroli Hospital, Magenta, Italy 2 Radiology Unit*, Legnano Health Service Fornaroli Hospital, Magenta, Italy

A case of anomalous course of internal carotid artery bulging the posterior pharyngeal wall and causing throat abnormal sensation is presented. Tortuosity of ICA is a relative common anatomical abnormality.
Normally it is asymptomatic, and occasionally found during a clinical examination, even if sometimes it causes slight pharyngeal troubles. Otorhinolaringologist have to hold in due consideration and recognize this anomaly during pharyngeal surgery (tonsillectomy, adenotomy, incision of peritonsillar abscess, etc ) to avoid serious complications.