Carotid Cavernous Fistula - Symptom, Causes, Treatment

Carotid cavernous fistula is an abnormal communication between the internal or external carotid arteries and the cavernous sinus. It can develop either because of trauma or spontaneous causes. Traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula may occur after head injuries in which the intracavernous carotid artery is torn. These head injuries range from minor falls to severe penetrating wounds. Dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae are characterized by a communication between the cavernous sinus and one or more meningeal branches of the internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, or both. These fistulae usually have low rates of arterial blood flow and almost always produce symptoms and signs spontaneously, without any antecedent trauma or manipulation. Young men are more likely than others to develop traumatic Carotid cavernous fistula, possibly because of their increased incidence of trauma. Symptoms of carotid cavernous fistula are conjunctival chemosis, pulsating exophthalmos and a cranial bruit. It is distinguished from a cavernous sinus thrombosis by the rapidity of symptoms. Carotid cavernous fistula are most frequently found in young men and in women who are postmenopausal. Carotid cavernous fistula can be treated with selective embolization and detachable balloon occlusion.

Causes of Carotid cavernous fistula

The main causes of Carotid cavernous fistula:

• Collagen vascular disease.
• Connective tissue disorders (eg, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
• Minor trauma.

Signs and symptoms of Carotid cavernous fistula

Signs and symptoms often experienced with Carotid cavernous fistula are:

• Red eye.
• Bruit (buzzing or swishing sounds).
• Decreased vision.
• Facial pain in the distribution of the first (and rarely the second) division of the trigeminal nerve.

Treatment of Carotid cavernous fistula

Some most common treatmet of Carotid Cavernous Fistula:

• Carotid cavernous fistula may be treated with ocular lubricants, and, in severe cases, a tarsorrhaphy may be needed.
• Laser iridoplasty or goniosynechialysis may help further in opening the angle.
• If these techniques are unsuccessful, direct surgery on the cavernous sinus may be considered.

Bookmark This Page:

Home | Directory | Skin Diseases | Site Map | Cardiovascular Diseases | Hematological Diseases | Contact Us | Submit Site
Copyright © 2006 Medical-Diseases.info All Rights Reserved