The congenitally tortuous internal carotid artery (ICA) is an uncommon but important anomaly for the otolaryngologist, to recognize. Some of them determine a dislocation of the ICA that can be found at the level of the pharyngeal wall in some cases. Because of this dislocation, the ICA may cause a widening of the retropharyngeal and lateropharyngeal soft tissues. The ectopic ICA poses a risk during both major oropharyngeal tumor resection and less extensive procedures, such as tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
Submitted by Dr Sangeeta Aneja, MD Head of Dept, LLRM Meerut
Opinion by- Teleradiology Providers
