Spontaneous rupture of the common carotid artery: a case report.

Spontaneous rupture of the common carotid artery is an extremely rare vascular disorder in the head and neck region. Pseudoaneurysm can be formed by arterial rupture, presenting clinically as an expanding mass lesion. A 37-year-old fisherman suffered from the spontaneous rupture of the left common carotid artery and resultant pseudoaneurysm was radiologically recognized. Surgical exploration revealed a 0.5-cm rent in the common carotid artery, 2 cm proximal to the bifurcation. The lesion was successfully managed with polypropylene sutures during temporary clamping of the carotid artery. The literature is reviewed and the principles of management are discussed.