Keywords
Traumatic Cavernous Carotid Fistula, cavernous carotid fistula, trauma
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Traumatic cavernous carotid fistulas are a rare but serious complication following blunt trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, where the internal carotid artery is damaged, creating an abnormal connection with the cavernous sinus. This case report describes a 32-year-old female who presented with pulsatile proptosis, conjunctival chemosis, and visual disturbances following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging confirmed the presence of a traumatic cavernous carotid fistula. The patient underwent successful endovascular embolization, resulting in resolution of her symptoms. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention, particularly through endovascular techniques, as the treatment of choice is to prevent long-term complications like vision loss and to restore normal ocular function.
Disciplines
Cardiovascular Diseases | Emergency Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Trauma | Wounds and Injuries
Included in
Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Trauma Commons, Wounds and Injuries Commons
Traumatic Cavernous Carotid Fistula Following a Motor Vehicle Accident
Traumatic cavernous carotid fistulas are a rare but serious complication following blunt trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, where the internal carotid artery is damaged, creating an abnormal connection with the cavernous sinus. This case report describes a 32-year-old female who presented with pulsatile proptosis, conjunctival chemosis, and visual disturbances following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging confirmed the presence of a traumatic cavernous carotid fistula. The patient underwent successful endovascular embolization, resulting in resolution of her symptoms. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention, particularly through endovascular techniques, as the treatment of choice is to prevent long-term complications like vision loss and to restore normal ocular function.
