Petrous internal carotid aneurysm causing epistaxis: balloon embolization with preservation of the parent vessel.

A patient with severe, recurrent posterior epistaxis was shown at angiography to have an aneurysm of the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Since childhood, she had had pain related to eustachian tube blockage by the aneurysm. An endovascular balloon embolization of the aneurysm was successful with preservation of the parent artery. The treatment resulted in resolution of the symptoms. The report confirms the usefulness of an angiographic protocol in evaluating vascular problems.