Persistence of a mycotic aneurysm of the intracavernous carotid artery.

Mycotic aneurysms of the intracavernous portion of the carotid artery are rare, especially in children. In reported cases, treatment has been by antibiotics alone, or by some form of carotid surgery. In the present case only antibiotic therapy was used. Subsequent angiography showed spontaneous thrombosis of the internal carotid artery, but persistence of the mycotic aneurysm. The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to the management of the condition.