carotid-cavernous sinus fistula

• laceration of ICA within cavernous sinus; usually secondary to basal skull fractures or penetrating trauma
• rupture of an intracavernous ICA aneurysm

findings:

• focal or diffuse enlargement of cavernous sinus
• edematous extraocular muscles
• arterial enlargement (pulsating exophthalamus)
• dilation of superior ophthalmic, facial, and internal jugular veins
• occasional sellar erosion/enlargement
• enlargement of superior orbital fissure (chronic phase)

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18