Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of internal carotid artery: a cause of intractable epistaxis

In this case report, the authors are presenting a case of a 35-year-old lady who presented to our clinic with recurrent episodes of massive epistaxis and loss of right eye vision for last 6 months following road traffic accident. There was no other significant medical and surgical history. Bleeding episodes were sometimes very severe with loss up to 400-500 cc and would stop spontaneously. She was given multiple blood transfusions after these episodes. A complete otorhinolaryngological examination including rigid endoscopy and coagulation investigation did not reveal any abnormality. CT with contrast of paranasal region showed blood within the right sphenoid sinus with linear fracture of the lateral wall with post-traumatic cavernous pseudoaneurysm of internal carotid artery localised to right sphenoid sinus. That was managed successfully by embolisation using a detachable balloon and a coil. She was followed up in the clinic at 6 weeks and 6 months interval with no symptoms.