Delayed massive epistaxis from traumatic intracranial aneurysm after blunt facial injury

Abstract

Cases: Traumatic intracranial aneurysm following blunt head injury is uncommon but can be induced by extension of skull base fracture and causes unexpected hemorrhagic complications. We present two cases of traumatic intracranial aneurysm in the paraclinoid area that was revealed by delayed massive epistaxis. Lack of initial neurological deficits omitted screening for cerebrovascular injury. Outcome: Internal trapping was carried out using endovascular techniques in both cases, with extracranial–intracranial bypass in one case. No recurrent bleeding occurred in either case. Conclusion: To prevent unexpected delayed life-threatening hemorrhagic accidents, careful assessment of skull-base fracture is prerequisite, even in cases of mild facial injury.