Carotid Cavernous Fistula and Its Association With Spine Surgery: A Case Report

A carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is a disruption in the carotid arteries within the cavernous sinus. The pooling of blood in the sinus causes a myriad of neurological deficits. When correctly diagnosed, this condition can be easily managed through surgical intervention. However, its rareness and similarity in presentation to other neurological conditions allow for misdiagnosis and subsequent progression to permanent disability. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the unique clinical features and signs of CCFs. We report on the clinical workup, diagnosis, and treatment of the first documented case of a patient who developed a carotid cavernous fistula in conjunction with spine surgery.