Management of pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery in postirradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Massive epistaxis due to ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an often fatal complication of radiation treatment for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We review the clinical characteristics and predictors of survival in patients suffering from this serious complication after radiotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Clinical records and radiological investigations of postirradiated NPC patients with ICA pseudoaneurysm diagnosed with digital subtraction angiography in Queen Mary Hospital from January 2003 to December 2012 were reviewed. Risk factors analyzed for survival included gender, size of initial tumor, history of second course of radiotherapy, history of previous maxillary swing nasopharyngectomy, presence of persistent disease, successful initial hemostasis, successful airway control, and endovascular treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-six were included in the analysis. Twenty-three patients underwent endovascular treatment, and 20 (87%) had successful control of the bleeding. Eighteen (69%) patients survived. Univariate analysis showed that successful temporary control of bleeding and airway control were associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Prompt bleeding control and airway management is necessary to improve survival. Endovascular treatment is a good definitive treatment option with a high success rate.