Mycotic Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery

Background: Infected aneurysms of the extracranial carotid arteries are uncommon. This article presents a complete review of the literature on this condition, illustrated with a case report. This case report describes a mycotic aneurysm of carotid bifurcation with proven infection of the arterial wall from Salmonella enteritidis. The treatment consisted of excision of the aneurysm, ligation of the external carotid, and realization of a common to internal carotid artery bypass with the greater saphenous vein. Methods: In August 2012, the authors searched the PubMed database with the keywords "carotid artery pseudoaneurysm" and "mycotic carotid aneurysm" for the period until 2012. Results: The incidence of extracranial infected carotid artery aneurysm is relatively stable, with approximately 20 cases reported per decade over the past 30 years. The authors analyzed approximately 100 cases reported in the literature and studied the origin of the condition and the evolution of surgical options.