Angiographic diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas

Balloon embolization was attempted in 7 patients with posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas. The procedure was successful in 4 patients and failed in 3 other. Two of these fistulas showed spontaneous regression after failed embolization. In one patient, premature detachment of the balloon led to cerebral infarction, but with total clinical recovery. One patient showed temporary palsy of the VIth cranial nerve after embolization.