Traumatic carotid aneurysm secondary to cavernous sinus penetration by wood: CT features

Transorbital penetration of the cranial cavity by a small wooden object can pass unnoticed, while producing severe, life-threatening consequences. The occurrence of a traumatic intracranial aneurysm secondary to a wooden foreign body has not been reported previously in the English literature, to our knowledge. Familiarity with the CT features of this complication is crucial since the CT findings may be the first to suggest penetration of the cavernous sinus by wood, as well as the possibility of a traumatic carotid aneurysm. The CT features of this rare complication are discussed and the pertinent literature is reviewed.