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Carotid-cavernous fistula after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Emin Karaman1, Huseyin Isildak, Yusuf Haciyev
1Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are rare abnormal connections. This study details a case of CCF following blunt trauma from functional endoscopic sinus surgery, highlighting an uncommon cause.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal connections between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus.
- CCFs can be spontaneous or trauma-related, with spontaneous cases often having unknown etiology.
- Associated conditions include arterial wall changes, fibromuscular dysplasia, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Observation:
- Clinical presentation varies with fistula size and venous drainage, causing symptoms like visual loss, proptosis, and cranial nerve deficits.
- Traumatic CCFs can result from head injuries.
- This study reports a rare case of CCF secondary to blunt trauma during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Findings:
- Endovascular transarterial embolization using detachable coils is an effective treatment for CCFs.
- The patient presented with CCF after blunt trauma from functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
- This represents an uncommon etiology for CCF in otolaryngology.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare complication of functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering iatrogenic causes for CCF.
- Suggests the need for vigilance in managing patients with head trauma and sinus surgery history.