False aneurysm complicating carotid endarterectomy.

We present two cases of false aneurysm after carotid endarterectomy with primary arteriotomy closure. In both cases, infection appeared to be the precipitating cause. Both lesions were repaired with a saphenous vein patch graft, but infection in one patient persisted, and recurrence of a false aneurysm required ligation of the common carotid artery. There were no neurological sequelae in either patient. A review of the English language literature, our experience, and personal communications yielded 57 cases of false aneurysm. The overall incidence of false aneurysm after carotid endarterectomy was 0.30%. There was no significant difference in the incidence after endarterectomy alone and that after endarterectomy and patch grafting. A significant increase in neurological deficit occurred only when carotid ligation was used, with a morbidity/mortality of 50% in eight reported cases. Infection was the major cause of false aneurysm after endarterectomy; it occurred in 50% of cases closed primarily without patch grafting. Repair with a saphenous vein patch graft and monofilament synthetic suture, plus liberal use of antibiotics, should be considered in the treatment of this condition.