Thermography in the management of carotid-cavernous fistulas

The authors report their experiences with thermography as a new tool to assess the diagnosis and postoperative control of patients with carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF). A zone of increased temperature on the homolateral orbital region is described in cases of CCF. A supraorbital "cool" area, as seen in patients with carotid stenosis or occlusion, is observed when surgery with the Jaeger-Hamby technique has been successful. Thermograms obtained in five patients are presented and the pathophysiology of these findings is discussed.