Acute carotid rupture associated with postoperative Staphylococcus Aureus infection

The case described illustrates the role of S. Aureus wound infection in CAR in the post-operative setting. This finding is consistent with prior reports suggesting that S. Aureus infection within the first week following cervical re-operation may induce rapid destruction of the carotid artery media predisposing to rupture, even with prompt medical treatment. The risk is highest among patients who have undergone previous cervical operation due to compromise of the carotid vascular supply and disruption of adventitial barriers to invasion of the arterial media.