Purpose of review: The purpose of this report is to summarize existing literature with respect to carotid artery blowout and to present an up-to-date algorithm for its management that incorporates recent advances with respect to its diagnosis and treatment.
Recent findings: Although once thought as one entity, carotid blowout is now considered to be a syndrome with clinical manifestations ranging from acute hemorrhage to asymptomatic exposure of a carotid artery. As a result, carotid blowout syndrome can present as one of three separate entities: threatened, impending, and acute carotid blowout. In recent years newer approaches to management have centered around the use of diagnostic angiography followed by definitive therapy with either carotid occlusion by coils, detachable balloons, or endovascular stents. Overall morbidity of management has decreased.
Summary: Interventional radiologic techniques have revolutionized the treatment of carotid blowout syndrome, allowing more accurate diagnosis and lower treatment morbidity.