Mycotic Aneurysm of the Common Carotid Artery as a Presenting Symptom for Early Colorectal Malignancy.

Abstract

Mycotic carotid aneurysms are rare vascular conditions that are associated with high mortality if left untreated. We present a gentleman who had a progressively enlarging tender pulsatile swelling on the right side of neck. Emergency computed tomography scan showed a large mycotic aneurysm arising from the right common carotid artery, and he underwent emergency open exploration with interposition bypass graft. Bacteroides fragilis species, which signified gastrointestinal-related sepsis, was isolated from the thrombus culture. Subsequently search of systemic septic source showed an early rectal adenocarcinoma. This is the first case in the world's literature of a patient who had B. fragilis mycotic carotid aneurysm as a presenting complaint of his occult rectal malignancy.

• Authors: Yiu-Che Chan, Stephen W Cheng
• Journal: Annals of vascular surgery (Ann Vasc Surg) Vol. 30 Pg. 306.e9-12 (Jan 2016) ISSN: 1615-5947 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 26363427 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (complications, diagnosis)
• Aneurysm, Infected (diagnosis, microbiology, surgery)
• Bacteroides fragilis
• Carotid Artery, Common
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Rectal Neoplasms (complications, diagnosis)