carotid-cavernous fistula

Etiology

• blunt head injury

Pathology

• a fistula joining the internal carotid artery with the cavernous sinus
• impaired drainage of the cavernous sinus
  • engorgement of the draining veins

Clinical manifestations

• patients often complain of a swishing sound in their ear
• a bruit may be heard with a stethoscope over the temple
• chemosis, pulsating proptosis, & an ulcerated cornea (case report) due to congestion of ophthalmic vein

Management

• endovascular coiling of the fistula

More general terms

• fistula
• cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Additional terms

• cavernous sinus (parasellar sinus)
• internal carotid artery (ICA)