Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula Resulting in Symptoms in the Ipsilateral Eye: A Case Report

Abstract

Post-traumatic unilateral carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) with ipsilateral symptoms is a rare occurrence, so its diagnosis frequently gets overlooked for other more common conditions. Timely imaging with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and appropriate vascular intervention is essential in preventing potentially serious sequelae in such cases. We describe a case of post-traumatic CCF in a 42-year-old man who experienced intermittent headaches and right eye redness, proptosis, and watery discharge for three months following the incident. He was diagnosed with a right CCF based on DSA. Timely endovascular embolization with the coiling method resulted in obvious relief of the ocular symptoms and an improved prognosis. This article offers a description of our patient, a brief discussion of the existing literature, the challenges of diagnosing such cases, and a variety of therapy options.