Traumatic Carotid-Cavernous Fistula as a sequela of Mandibular Fracture

ABSTRACT

Traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula(CCF) is an uncommon situation resulting from trauma. The blood shunted from the internal carotid artery to the cavernous sinus results in pulsation exophthalmos,orbital headache, bruit, loss of visual acuity, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia. We were recently faced with such a case. The patient sustained fracture of the mandible during sports activity. Five months later, all the classic signs and symptoms of CCF had appeared. A carotid angiography confirmed the presence of a CCF. The management was achieved intravascularly by platinum electrothrombosis embolization. The main signs and symptoms of the CCF had resolved, but the patient remained in a visual loss of affected eye.