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Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery presenting with oculosympathetic palsy

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Abstract

Background

Blunt internal carotid artery (ICA) injury is rare but undiagnosed can have disastrous clinical consequences.

Aim

To report a late presentation of blunt ICA injury in a young male following a road traffic accident.

Result

A 16-year-old male presented 11 days following a head injury with a unilateral Horner’s syndrome. Imaging confirmed a pseudoaneurysm of the ICA. The patient was treated with anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of ICA injury requires a high index of suspicion and presentation with unusual neurological signs following blunt trauma to the head and neck requires prompt investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Vascular Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Ireland

    R. R. Singh, A. A. Thomas & D. J. Bouchier-Hayes

  2. Department of Vascular Surgery, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

    M. C. Barry

Authors
  1. R. R. Singh
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  2. A. A. Thomas
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  3. M. C. Barry
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  4. D. J. Bouchier-Hayes
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. C. Barry.

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Singh, R.R., Thomas, A.A., Barry, M.C. et al. Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery presenting with oculosympathetic palsy. Ir J Med Sci 173, 162–163 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03167933

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03167933

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