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Cavernous sinus syndrome from an internal carotid artery aneurysm in an infant with tuberous sclerosis

Julie B Shelton1, Raghu Ramakrishnaiah, Charles M Glasier

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology/Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Journal of AAPOS : the Official Publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|August 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) can cause aneurysms. This case highlights an intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm causing cavernous sinus syndrome in a young boy with TSC, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder associated with various neurological complications.
  • Intracranial aneurysms are a known, though less common, manifestation in patients with TSC.
  • Cavernous sinus syndrome presents with a constellation of cranial nerve deficits.

Observation:

  • A 9-month-old boy with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex presented with symptoms suggestive of cavernous sinus syndrome.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed an intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm as the cause of his symptoms.

Findings:

  • This represents the first reported case of cavernous sinus syndrome secondary to an intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm in an infant with TSC.
  • The aneurysm's location directly impacted the cranial nerves traversing the cavernous sinus.

Implications:

  • The findings underscore the importance of considering intracranial aneurysms in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with TSC presenting with neurological deficits.
  • Early recognition and management of aneurysms in TSC patients are crucial to prevent potentially devastating neurological outcomes.
  • This case expands the spectrum of vascular manifestations associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

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