Traumatic false aneurysm and carotid-cavernous fistula: a complication of sphenoidotomy.
Severe head injury with resultant basilar skull fracture is the most common etiology for traumatic false aneurysm of the cavernous carotid artery and for traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula. We present a case of false aneurysm and fistula that occurred as a complication of sphenoidotomy, fortunately a rare etiology of these two serious problems. Because of the current resurgence of trans-sphenoidal surgery, it is of utmost importance that all neurosurgeons possess an accurate and detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the carotid artery and its intracavernous route.
D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000601:surgery*