Spontaneous dissecting cervical carotid artery aneurysm.

A unique case of a large dissecting cervical carotid artery aneurysm is presented. The lesion had probably started as a spontaneous dissection 2 years before the onset of ischemic hemisphere symptoms and represents one way in which such a dissection can evolve if unchecked. The usual presentation, angiographic findings, and possible treatments of dissecting extracranial carotid aneurysms are discussed briefly.