Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

08:28
Zebrafish Brain Ventricle Injection
Published on: April 6, 2009
A fatal brain injury caused by a needlefish
Neuroradiology
|May 31, 1978
Summary
A rare case of internal carotid-cavernous sinus fistula caused by a needlefish injury is presented. This study details the traumatic event and its consequences.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Internal carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal connections between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus.
- CCFs can result from trauma, including iatrogenic causes, vascular disease, or spontaneous development.
- Penetrating injuries to the head and neck are uncommon causes of CCFs.
Observation:
- This report describes a unique case of a traumatic CCF.
- The injury was caused by a penetrating wound from a needlefish.
- The fistula involved the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus.
Findings:
- The needlefish penetrated the orbit and entered the cavernous sinus.
- This resulted in the formation of an arteriovenous fistula.
- The specific mechanism of injury and anatomical involvement are detailed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for unusual objects to cause severe vascular injuries.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing complications such as vision loss or stroke.
- Understanding rare etiologies of CCF is important for surgical planning and treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...

