Giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysm mimicking a fungal granuloma and presenting with massive epistaxis

Dual Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal and Precaruncular Transorbital Approaches for Clipping of the Cavernous Carotid Artery: A Cadaveric Simulation

Background Endoscopic skull base approaches are being used to address complicated neurovascular pathology. These approaches are safest when proximal vascular control of the cavernous carotid artery (CavCA) can be obtained. Methods We present a cadaver-based anatomic simulation study showing the feasibility of clip placement for the CavCA as it courses through the cavernous sinus. The arterial vessels were injected with red microfil (Flow Tech, Carver, Massachusetts) to enhance visibility. The endoscope was directed through a precaruncular transorbital approach and instrumentation was managed through an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Results The dual approach minimized the "coning down" and instrument "sword fighting" that occurs as the rod lens endoscope and instruments are used laterally and posterior toward the clivus and brainstem. The precaruncular transorbital approach improved visualization of the clip application and improved the functional working area. The transorbital port allowed better appreciation of the distal clip tines, and the laterally positioned cranial nerves. Conclusions The advantages may be most realized in the setting of endoscopic endonasal resection of highly vascular lesions and/or bleeding from a ruptured aneurysm being clipped. Simulated training provides an excellent opportunity to enhance skill sets and increase familiarity with anatomical visualization before entering the operative arena.

Lethal Epistaxis

Epistaxis or nosebleed refers to bleeding from the nostrils, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Occasional cases may present with torrential lethal hemorrhage. Three cases are reported to demonstrate particular features: Case 1: A 51-year-old woman with lethal epistaxis with no obvious bleeding source; Case 2: A 77-year-old man with treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma who died from epistaxis arising from a markedly neovascularized tumor bed; Case 3: A 2-year-old boy with hemophilia B who died from epistaxis with airway obstruction in addition to gastrointestinal bleeding. Epistaxis may be associated with trauma, tumors, vascular malformations, bleeding diatheses, infections, pregnancy, endometriosis, and a variety of different drugs. Careful dissection of the nasal cavity is required to locate the site of hemorrhage and to identify any predisposing conditions. This may be guided by postmortem computerized tomographic angiography (PCTA). Despite careful dissection, however, a source of bleeding may never be identified.