Aberrant Internal Carotid Artery

Abstract

An aberrant internal carotid artery (ICA) in the middle ear is rare. If unrecognized, it may lead to massive hemorrhage or other catastrophic results during even a minor surgical procedure of the tympanic membrane or middle ear. Recognition of this entity is particularly significant to the primary care or emergency department physician who performs tympanocentesis as a routine part of clinical practice. We present the management and radiographic findings of a case of aberrant ICA referred because of persistent bleeding following a minor surgical procedure. The possibility of an anomalous artery in the middle ear had been recognized during surgery. The procedure was aborted and the patient referred for definitive care.