Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case report
A case report of inflammatory pseudotumor of carotid artery with radiologic-pathological-surgical findings
Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders | Issue 1/2015
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Background
Inflammatory pseudotumor is an unusual benign entity that can mimic malignancy in many different organ systems.
Case presentation
We present a patient with a neck mass, which clinically and radiologically appeared to be a malignant tumor that encircled a segment of the left common carotid artery. The operation was performed and further histopathological evaluation confirmed this mass to be an inflammatory pseudotumor. After 4 years follow up, no recurrence was observed for this patient.
Conclusions
Despite its rarity, IPT is important because it can simulate neoplastic disease. The contrast imaging may be helpful in differential diagnosis, but no findings are characteristic. The diagnosis of the IPT of carotid artery can be challenging for the surgeons. Certain diagnosis depends on either core biopsy or intra- or post-operative pathological examination. The surgical excision may be a curative option.