[Oculomotor nerve paralysis secondary to dural carotido-cavernous sinus fistula]

Carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas are an uncommon cause of oculomotor nerve palsies. These fistulas are fed by meningeal branches of the internal carotid and/or external carotid arteries. They occur spontaneously, and have symptoms less severe than those of direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas. The authors report 5 observations of oculomotor nerve palsy consecutive to these fistulas; diagnostic, physiopathogenic and therapeutic problems are discussed.