Synonym: carotid rupture syndrome
The patient often has a history of:
(1) radical neck dissection
(2) radiation therapy to the head and neck
Clinical features may include:
(1) enlarging neck mass
(2) exposure of a portion of the carotid artery
(3) rupture of the carotid artery wall with hemorrhage, which can be massive
(4) neurological complications
Hemorrhage is usually external but can also be intra-oral.
Management may include use of a covered intra-arterial stent or carotid artery reconstruction.
Factors associated with a poor prognosis:
(1) massive hemorrhage
(2) hypoalbuminemia (less than 3.5 g/dL)
(3) failure to manage properly
(4) extensive arterial dissection
