Rupture of Internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in the sphenoid sinus as a complication of deep neck space infection

Background : Pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a very rare but potentially fatal complication of deep neck space infection. Methods : This paper describes a very rare case of an ICA pseudoaneurysm rupture in the sphenoid sinus caused by a deep neck abscess. Results : A 62-year-old male with a deep neck space infection underwent surgical drainage. On the postoperative 21st day, however, he suddenly had massive epistaxis. A transnasal endoscopic examination found massive bleeding out of the sphenoid sinus. Immediate intra-arterial angiography revealed two pseudoaneurysms of the left ICA at the cavernous segment (C4) and the clinoid segment (C5), which were embolized with coils. The patient made an uneventful recovery after the embolization. Conclusion : We found no reports in the literature that pseudoaneurysms associated with a deep neck infection rupture in the sphenoid sinus. Prompt treatment along with accurate diagnosis is essential for successful management of such cases.