Cavernous sinus-carotid fistula: a complication of maxillofacial injury

Abstract

A case of traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCSF) is presented. The patient sustained an undisplaced fracture of his right mandibular condyle and a zygoma fracture after a motor vehicle accident. Five months later, all the classic signs and symptoms of a CCSF had appeared except ophthalmoplegia. These symptoms were preceded by a tiring auditive homolateral sensation. A carotid angiography confirmed the presence of a large CCSF. Successful management was achieved intravascularly by balloon embolization.