An aberrant internal carotid artery in the temporal bone presenting as a middle-ear mass: A case report

Eryilmaz A., Dagli M., Cayonu M., Dursun E., Gocer C.

Journal of Laryngology and Otology, cilt.122, sa.9, ss.983-985, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 122 Sayı: 9
  • Basım Tarihi: 2008
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1017/s0022215107000199
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Laryngology and Otology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.983-985
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: middle ear, internal carotid artery, temporal bone, otologic surgical procedures
  • Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Objective: To draw attention to the possibility of an aberrant internal carotid artery behind an intact tympanic membrane presenting as a middle-ear mass. Case: A 48-year-old female patient presented with a hearing impairment in her right ear that had started 10 years ago. Otoscopic examination revealed a retro-tympanic mass. A high resolution computed tomography scan of the temporal bone was performed that showed protrusion of the internal carotid artery into the middle ear. Magnetic resonance angiography provided excellent visualisation of the internal carotid artery. Finally, a diagnosis of an aberrant internal carotid artery was made and the patient was evaluated with a conservative approach. Conclusion: All retro-tympanic masses should ideally be visualised with a computed tomography scan of the temporal bone before any middle-ear surgery, such as tympanotomy and biopsy, and it is essential for every otologist who undertakes myringotomy and middle-ear surgery to know about this rare entity. © 2007 JLO (1984) Limited.