Retropharyngeal carotid arteries

Case contributed by Hein Els
Diagnosis not applicable

Presentation

Incidental finding. Neck imaging performed to assess for a submandibular gland calculus or abscess.

Patient Data

Age: 68
Gender: Female

The internal carotid arteries are in a retropharyngeal location bilaterally.

Case Discussion

Retropharyngeal internal carotid arteries are uncommon and may be congenital or acquired. This anatomic anomaly must always be reported when present in order to prevent a potential catastrophic hemorrhage if biopsied or injured during surgery/intubation.

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