Internal carotid artery blister aneurysm rupture: a unifying diagnosis for massive epistaxis and unilateral embolic strokes

Abstract

Concurrent epistaxis, embolic stroke and a ruptured internal carotid artery are rare but life-threatening delayed complications of cured nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A timely diagnosis and effective management can be problematic. We report a case that highlights the unique diagnostic features of this presentation and contemporary endovascular treatment options available.