title: Massive recurrent epistaxis from non-traumatic bilateral intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms.
abstract: Recurrent epistaxis may rarely follow traumatic intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm. This occurs nearly always after head injury and is usually associated with fracture of the skull base. Severe torrential epistaxis due to non-traumatic intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm is extremely uncommon and potentially fatal, with only a few cases having been reported in the literature. We present the case of a 23-year-old female with a history of recurrent severe epistaxis and otalgia due to bilateral intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms, illustrating the diagnostic difficulties. The radiological investigations and the management of the patient are discussed and relevant literature is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Aintree, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karkanevatos
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Karkos
authors.forename: Y G
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Karagama
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Foy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal; D002426:Cavernous Sinus; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000209:etiology