Orbital Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula After Carotid Cavernous Aneurysm Rupture: Case Report and Review of Literature

Benign Natural Progression of Small Cavernous Carotid Aneurysms Suggests Limited Clinical Utility of Serial Longitudinal Follow-up

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Aneurysms in the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) often present in an indolent fashion with limited morbidity. However, their growth progression and possible rupture over time remains poorly defined, thereby limiting optimization of serial follow-up. Thus, we aim to describe the progression of cavernous ICA aneurysms over time, as well as the patient and aneurysm characteristics associated with possible growth and rupture status.

METHODS

We identified a consecutive cohort of 157 patients from 2007 to 2021 with cavernous ICA aneurysms. Patient demographic data, possible risk factors, presenting symptoms, radiographic features of aneurysms, size progression, rupture status, and concomitant noncavernous aneurysm rupture data were manually extracted.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven patients (mean age at diagnosis 57.2 ± 15.6 years; 85.4% females) with 174 cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) were followed for an average of 7.1 ± 4.8 years. 76.4% of aneurysms were identified incidentally, with predominantly ocular palsies as the presenting symptoms in remaining primary cases. Most aneurysms were small, and of the 168 aneurysms that were followed, 98.2% did not demonstrate appreciable growth. Of the aneurysms that grew, it took an average of 6.0 years to grow 1.6 ± 0.2 mm. Demographic data, hypertension, and smoking status were not associated with aneurysm growth. Most radiographic features also were not associated with growth, except long-axis diameter, which had an odds ratio of 1.4 (CI: 1.2, 1.8) on multivariable analysis. Presenting clinical symptoms were not associated with growth. No CCAs ruptured during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Cavernous ICA aneurysms in our series demonstrate no rupture and limited growth over years of clinical follow-up. No radiographic or patient risk factors were associated with growth except initial aneurysm size. Hence, small CCAs may not require close follow-up over time.

Cefaléia e disfunção de nervos cranianos secundários a aneurisma de artéria carótida: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura

O seio cavernoso é um plexo venoso localizado na base do crânio. Várias patologias, como processos inflamatórios, aneurismáticos ou metastáticos, podem afetar esse plexo. A síndrome do seio cavernoso ocorre quando os nervos estão envolvidos nessa região (nervos cranianos III, IV, VI e divisões do V). Essas relações anatômicas explicam que a diplopia e a dor são os sintomas iniciais mais comuns nesses pacientes. Os aneurismas carotídeos cavernosos (CCAs) representam 2% a 9% dos aneurismas. Relatamos dois pacientes que apresentaram síndrome do seio cavernoso decorrente de aneurismas da artéria carótida. O reconhecimento da etiologia desse quadro clínico diferenciado é fundamental para evitar complicações e direcionar a melhor conduta para cada paciente.

Carotid cavernous fistula secondary to ruptured carotid cavernous aneurysm causing orbital compartment syndrome

PURPOSE

To report the rare presentation of orbital compartment syndrome secondary to formation of carotid cavernous fistula in the absence of trauma or surgery and demonstrate the role of emergent canthotomy/cantholysis as a vision saving procedure.

OBSERVATIONS

A 28-year-old African American female with obesity and migraines presented to the emergency department (ED) with the worst headache of her life after a severe episode of vomiting and dry heaving. Initial CT scan was negative for subarachnoid hemorrhage and patient was discharged. She re-presented to ED several days later with worsening proptosis and left eyelid edema and was discharged on oral antibiotics for presumed preseptal cellulitis after repeat CT scan. When seen by Ophthalmology in clinic, she was noted to have decreased vision, proptosis, decreased color perception, and double vision. She was noted to have orbital compartment syndrome requiring emergent canthotomy/cantholysis in the minor OR. She was sent back to ED for work-up, ultimately revealing a carotid cavernous fistula secondary to rupture of a carotid cavernous aneurysm. She was treated with several coil embolization procedures and ultimately her visual acuity rebounded to 20/20.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Orbital compartment syndrome may be a rare presentation of carotid cavernous fistula secondary to ruptured carotid cavernous aneurysm in the absence of trauma or surgery. Our case demonstrates the importance of properly assessing the cause of a red, edematous, proptosed eye in clinical setting and initiating an appropriate workup and treatment plan without delay.

A Case of Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulae Successfully Treated by Bidirectional Double Catheter Technique: A Technical Note

Objective

Ruptured carotid-cavernous aneurysms (CCAs) are known to result in direct carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). Although endovascular treatment is recognized as the first-line treatment for direct CCF, obliteration is sometimes difficult because of the high-flow shunt. In this report, we present a case of a direct CCF treated by the combination of transarterial and transvenous approaches.

Case Presentation

A 57-year-old woman presented with conjunctival chemosis, exophthalmos, and tinnitus. Ophthalmological examination revealed increased intraocular pressure. DSA demonstrated a direct CCF due to a right ruptured CCA with retrograde shunted flow through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), superficial middle cerebral vein, basal vein of Rosenthal, and middle temporal vein. Two microcatheters were guided into the shunt segment from the internal carotid artery and SOV. In addition, a balloon catheter was placed at the neck of the aneurysm to assist coiling. Coil embolization for the CCF was performed using two microcatheters in the opposite direction, which enabled compact and tight packing of the shunt segment with only six coils. The CCF was eliminated. Two-year-follow-up MRA revealed no recurrence.

Conclusion

The bidirectional double catheter technique is a useful approach to obliterate a shunt in a short segment with minimal coils.