Successful transarterial guglielmi detachable coil embolization of posttraumatic posterior communicating artery-cavernous sinus fistula: Technical note

OBJECTIVE: Carotid-cavernous fistulae are uncommon but well-documented sequelae of craniofacial trauma. A rare subset may arise from the posterior communicating artery instead of from the carotid artery proper. The presentation is similar to that of carotid-cavernous fistulae, with ocular pain, chemosis, and proptosis being the common symptoms. The first successful transarterial coil embolization of this type of lesion is described. METHODS: A 42-year-old man presented with severe craniocerebral injury, including multiple craniofacial fractures, after an industrial accident. He required emergent craniotomy for an open depressed cranial fracture and epidural hematoma. Six weeks after presentation, the patient began to exhibit progressive chemosis and proptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings consistent with a carotid-cavernous fistula. RESULTS: Angiography revealed a fistula between the posterior communicating artery and the cavernous sinus. The origin of the fistula in the posterior communicating artery was successfully obliterated with Guglielmi detachable coiling. Subsequent studies demonstrated no flow through the fistula and good opacification of the ipsilateral posterior cerebral artery by the vertebrobasilar system. CONCLUSION: Posterior communicating artery-cavernous fistulae are a rare sequel of trauma. They may be treated successfully with the use of transarterial coil embolization.