Massive epistaxis due to rupture of non-traumatic carotid neurysm

Abstract

A case of massive epistaxis due to rupture of non-traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is reported. A 51-year-old male developed severe, recurrent epistaxis. The bleeding site was not found by routine examination, but carotid angiography demonstrated an aneurysm in the cavernous portion of the right ICA that apparently ruptured into the sphenoid sinus. Thus, the diagnosis of epistaxis due to intracavernous carotid aneurysm was confirmed. The patient was treated by intravascular obliteration with a Gugielmi detachable coil and has been followed up for over 1 year with no further epistaxis.