Embolization for Carotid Blowout in Head and Neck Cancer: Case Report of Five Patients. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sánchez-Canteli, Mario; Rodrigo, Juan P.; Quintana, Eduardo Murias; Vega, Pedro; Llorente, José Luis; López, Fernando
• Is Part Of: Vascular & endovascular surgery. Volume 56:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: carotid blowout -- embolization -- endovascular occlusion -- coils -- head and neck cancer; Blood-vessels -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Blood-vessels -- Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Vascular Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Angioplasty -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive -- Periodicals; Vascular Diseases -- surgery -- Periodicals; Vaisseaux sanguins -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Vaisseaux sanguins -- Chirurgie endoscopique -- Périodiques; 617.41
• DOI: 10.1177/15385744211027030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1538-5744

Abstract

Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) is defined as a rupture of common carotid artery or its branches. Endovascular intervention has been advocated as first line of treatment for CBS. This Case Report describes 5 patients with prior history of head and neck cancer who presented with CBS. Two patients presented as acute, 2 as impending, and one as threatened CBS. The lesions found were pseudoaneurysm and focal vascular irregularities involving the common carotid artery, cervical internal carotid artery and lingual artery. Embolization and occlusion with detachable coils of the artery was used in all patients. Technical success and immediate hemostasis were achieved in all patients. One patient presented transient cranial nerve palsy. No recurrent CBS was reported during the follow-up. In our experience, coil embolization, if possible, is a safe and efficient technique in treatment of CBS secondary to head and neck cancers.