Symptomatic cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with detachable coils

We reviewed the cranial nerve dysfunctions of eight patients with symptomatic cavernous internal carotid (CSIC) aneurysms treated by endovascular intraaneurysmal occlusion. Aneurysms were classified into three types according to their location and direction of growth. Anterior type aneurysms, which involved anterior bend of CSIC represented third nerve dysfunction. Posterior type aneurysms, which located posterior bend of CSIC preferred to affect sixth nerve function. CSIC aneurysms that extended over the both bends had total ophthalmoplegia. All patients responded to endovascular treatment, though partial resolution was recorded in the case of upward gaze or lateral gaze impairment. Endovascular treatment with detachable coils offers an excellent alternative with acceptable risks of morbidity.