Internal carotid artery aneurysm

Posted by Laurie, Volunteer Mentor @roch, Aug 2, 2018

I am posting to hear from others with internal carotid artery aneurysm and what treatment, if any the doctors recommended.

I was having a CT scan for another reason and an aneurysm was discovered. Immediately had consults with neurology and neurosurgery and it was decided that it did not need immediate attention except taking a baby aspirin daily. It showed calcification that meant it had been there for a while. I have not had a stroke or other symptoms. I am 62 with no heart problems.

But when you here aneurysm, you fear the worst.

An angiogram was done few weeks later and results were:
Right common carotid artery cervical angiogram demonstrates an aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery upper cervical segment which measures 33 x 25 x 29 mm.

The surgeon said these types of aneurysm rarely burst and should follow up with another test after 6 months to see if there are any changes.

If you have had similar diagnosis, what advice are your drs giving you?

My doctors are at Mayo Rochester, so confident that diagnosis is correct.

Laurie

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stellgma | @stellgma | Aug 2, 2018

I’m being treated at Mayo as well but for brain AVM’s. Have you had a consult with a neurosurgeon there?

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Aug 3, 2018

In reply to @stellgma "I’m being treated at Mayo as well but for brain AVM’s. Have you had a consult..." + (show)

I only saw the neurosurgeons briefly before and after the angiogram at hospital. I wish I would had an in office visit in less stressful environment. When I do 6 month recheck, I am going create a list of prepared questions and ask for a office visit. What might be routine for surgeon, is not routine for me.

skk15 | @skk15 | Aug 4, 2018

I had very similar experience, also at Mayo Clinic. One follow up and nothing more. It has been about 4 years now. Since physicians do not seem concerned, I have decided to ignore the information,for the most part, and live life without fear.

perion | @perion | Aug 4, 2018

Hi there, I was diagnosed with 2 aneurysms, one near the optic nerve and cavernous sinus. Like yours's mine our small but they monitor them. Of course if I get a bad headache they get more concerned & you get a free MRA!! But it is life as normal for the most part. You just learn to live with it.

5posies | @5posies | Oct 2, 2018

Through a MRI for another condition, I was found to have a possible large internal carotid aneurysm. A CTA confirmed the diagnosis. I’m now waiting for an appt with a neurosurgeon. Until my appointment, I’m wondering if I should take any precautions in my daily living.
I’ve had no symptoms of a problem.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Oct 2, 2018

Update, I had 6 month recheck with CT scan and follow up appt with neurosurgeon. No changes and dr said this type of aneurysm have little chance of leaking / bursting. Only advice he gave me is to take one baby aspirin a day. I will have rechecked in one year.

Laurie

5posies | @5posies | Oct 2, 2018

In reply to @roch "Update, I had 6 month recheck with CT scan and follow up appt with neurosurgeon. No..." + (show)

Thanks.

tanyabray41 | @tanyabray41 | Feb 27, 2019

@roch, Hello, i was wondering how you're doing?
I too, was diagnosed with an aneurysm in the right internal carotid artery 3×4 mm, and another one on the left side in the cavernous part of the internal carotid artery 3mm. Vascular Surgeon has said a repeat ct angiography to be done in 6 months. I am quite worried, as my mother passed away 16 years ago at the age of 47 from an aneurysm. I hope you're doing well, and if you'd like to talk I am here

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Feb 28, 2019

@tanyabray41 , thanks for asking.

I am doing good. My neurosurgeon repeated a CT 6 months after initial diagnosis and there was no change. So will repeat CT scan in another year. After first diagnosis, I was very nervous knowing it was there, but as time goes by I am less worried. I also talked to my primary provider about and he agrees with neurosurgeon that I am at low risk and it just needs to be monitored on regular bases.

I have no family history of aneurysms. Do they know what caused your aneurysm? I have no idea what caused mine or how long it has been there. Dr asked about previous car accidents, etc..., but I can not remember any trauma that might of caused.

Laurie

lizang | @lizang | Mar 4, 2019

Hi all I am 43 years old and I have just been diagnosed with ica aneurysm. It is 7mm×7mm in size. I first experienced headaches Aug 2018 and in Sept 2018 my right hand side of my face went numb. I went to a&e had a ct and mri scan. They noticed that my main artery under my right ear was twisted. So I had to wait for a mra scan. I had it done in Jan 2019 I have to wait now to see a specialist to see the next moves.