Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
Traumatic ptosis and mydriasis masking Horner syndrome from an internal carotid pseudoaneurysm
Matthew M Wessel1, Marc J Dinkin, C Douglas Phillips
1Divisions of Oculoplastic Surgery, Neuro-ophthalmology and Neuroradiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA.
A 46-year-old woman presented after blunt facial trauma for evaluation of bilateral orbital floor fractures, which were confirmed by clinical and radiographic examination. In addition, findings of right traumatic mydriasis and left traumatic ptosis were seen. On close investigation, miosis was noted on the side of the traumatic ptosis. Therefore, a workup for Horner syndrome was obtained, including neuro-ophthalmic consultation and magnetic resonance angiography of the neck. The magnetic resonance angiography showed an internal carotid pseudoaneurysm, an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of blunt carotid injury. The authors describe an interesting case where a life-threatening diagnosis was nearly masked by more common, benign pathology.
A 46-year-old woman presented after blunt facial trauma for evaluation of bilateral orbital floor fractures, which were confirmed by clinical and radiographic examination. In addition, findings of right traumatic mydriasis and left traumatic ptosis were seen. On close investigation, miosis was noted on the side of the traumatic ptosis. Therefore, a workup for Horner syndrome was obtained, including neuro-ophthalmic consultation and magnetic resonance angiography of the neck. The magnetic resonance angiography showed an internal carotid pseudoaneurysm, an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of blunt carotid injury. The authors describe an interesting case where a life-threatening diagnosis was nearly masked by more common, benign pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Glaucoma: Overview