Traumatic Carotid Pseudoaneurysm from Gun Shot Wound to the Head / Neck Radiology Corner, Case # 23 Traumatic Carotid Pseudoaneurysm Post Gun Shot Wound to the Head/Neck

Note: This is the full text version of the radiology corner question published in the April 2008 issue, with the abbreviated answer in the May 2008 issue. 1 Pseudoaneurysms have many etiologies that include blunt or penetrating trauma, iatrogenically during vascular procedures or dehiscence of a vascular graft. Pseudoaneurysms can be treated in a variety of ways and treatment decisions often depend on their size and location. In Iraq, a security guard was found to have a carotid pseudoaneurysm after sustaining a gun shot wound to the head and neck. The following discussion looks at causes, imaging modalities, and treatment options for pseudoaneurysms with additional focus on carotid pseuodaneurysms and the use of endovascular therapy in the deployed setting