Description
A connection that develops between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus is one of the venous channels draining blood away from the brain. The carotid artery and cranial nerves pass through this sinus. The cavernous sinus is located at the base of the skull, behind the eyes. Carotid cavernous fistulae may form following closed or penetrating head trauma, surgical damage, rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm, in association with connective tissue disorders, or vascular diseases. A fistula may also be congenital (present at birth), an inherited disorder of connective tissue, related to, or a complication of atherosclerosis hypertension or pregnancy and childbirth.
Symptoms
A bulging, red eye, a humming sound in skull, visual loss, facial pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging studies (CT, ultrasound, MRI and/or angiogram) will be performed to identify the fistula.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Angiogram
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging studies (CT, ultrasound, MRI and/or angiogram) will be performed to identify the fistula.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Angiogram
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
Treatment includes surgical or endovascular repair.