Traumatic carotid cavernous sinus fistula: serial angiographic studies from the day of trauma.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the early angiographic features characteristic of traumatic carotid cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs).


METHODS
Eight patients with severe craniofacial injuries underwent emergency diagnostic and therapeutic angiography for intractable oronasal bleeding, starting on an average of 6.7 hours after trauma. Carotid angiograms and the clinical manifestation of traumatic CCFs were then reviewed retrospectively to determine characteristic angiographic features.


RESULTS
In four of the eight patients, no arteriovenous fistulas were found in the cavernous sinuses and symptomatic CCF did not occur during the follow-up period. In the remaining four patients, dural CCFs (Barrow type B) were observed, unilaterally in three patients and bilaterally in one. One of these four patients subsequently became symptomatic and required transarterial coil embolization.


CONCLUSIONS
Traumatic dural CCFs are frequently observed in the early stage of severe craniofacial trauma, if investigated. Although their spontaneous disappearance is known, some of these do become symptomatic and need treatment.
Komiyama
M
M
Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Miyakojima, Japan.
Nakajima
H
H
Nishikawa
M
M
Kan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012886:Skull / Q000293:injuries*