Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous carotid: A lethal complication of craniofacial trauma

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous carotid artery is a rare, yet life-threatening complication of craniofacial trauma. It may well present itself with delayed massive epistaxis up to several months after the initial insult. Early recognition and prompt treatment are the key in management and a high index of clinical suspicion is always required. In this article, we report a patientwith a penetrating head injury who developed delayed epistaxis alongwith unilateral abducent and partial oculomotor palsy. Urgent diagnostic carotid angiography was undertaken, followed by endovascular coiling that resulted in no recurrence for a year of follow-up.