A Case of Dural Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula Associated with Ophthalmic Manifestations

ABSTRACT

Dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistula is an abnormal communication between meningeal branches of the carotid artery and cavernous sinus. It usually occurs spontaneously, and 25 to 50% of fistula close spontaneously. Most cases are unilateral and rarely, contralateral or bilateral symptoms occur. Most of the patients are postmenopausal women, and show dilated conjunctival and episcleral vessels, exophthalmos, limited ocular movement and elevation of intraocular pressure. We report a case of dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistula in a 53 year old woman with typical ophthalmic manifestations.