ABERRANT INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY WITH CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA WITH CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS

Authors: Dr Deepanshu Mishra, Dr Parag Bhayal, Dr Jyoti Jaiswal, Dhaval Bhojani, Dr Sudhakar Vaidya

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijoas.10573.1441515994

Keywords: aberrant internal carotid artery (ICA),chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM),conductive hearing loss,pseudoaneurysms, embolization

Abstract: An aberrant internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare anatomical variation wherein the artery deviates from its normal course, often traversing the middle ear cavity. This anomaly complicates the clinical management of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a condition characterized by persistent middle ear infections and conductive hearing loss. The unusual positioning of the ICA poses significant risks, including bleeding, thrombosis, and nerve damage, particularly during surgical interventions. Furthermore, the conductive hearing loss associated with CSOM can obscure the presence of vascular anomalies, complicating diagnosis. This paper reviews the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with the co-occurrence of aberrant ICA and CSOM. It emphasizes the critical role of precise imaging, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment planning to mitigate risks and optimize patient outcomes.