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The three classic symptoms of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) are pulsating exophthalmos, bruit and conjunctival chemosis. Here, we present a clinical case of isolated abducens nerve palsy due to a high-flow CCF in an 84-year-old woman, without the typical congestive orbito-ocular features. It was a diagnostic challenge because, for patients older than 50 years with cardiovascular risk factors, ischaemic mononeuropathy is the most frequent aetiology. This case illustrates the least common type of CCF that can be easily misdiagnosed. Physicians should consider fistula as a possible diagnosis in a patient with isolated abducens nerve palsy even without the classic triad.

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Due to the anatomical proximity between the skull and the face, maxillofacial trauma can often cause injuries to cranial structures. Among these complications are carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF), which are rare in maxillofacial trauma, although their etiology is usually traumatic. They are described as an atypical communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, which can generate a sudden change in the direction and distribution of blood flow between the brain and orbit. This paper aims to report a case of craniomaxillofacial trauma in which the patient evolved with diplopia, palpebral ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia of the left eye, diagnosed as traumatic CCF. The oral and maxillofacial surgery and traumatology team of the University Hospital of Western Paraná was observed these symptoms for the first time during post-operative follow-up after one day of surgery to repair mandibular fractures of the patient in question. With the identifying the signs and symptoms, a neurosurgery was requested for assessment and management. After clinical evaluation and imaging tests, they diagnosed the condition as CCF 5 days after the mandibular fractures and the patient was referred for treatment. Surgery was performed, in the same day, to resolve the CCF with the endovascularly by embolization with micromoles. The CCF was resolved and the patient continued on outpatient follow-up, progressing without sequelae from the CCF or mandibular fractures.

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Background: The welcome advent and subsequent development of interventional neuroradiology led to an important paradigm shift in the management of many cerebrovascular diseases. This paradigm shift is especially true for carotid cavernous fistula and, for some time now, endovascular techniques are the mainstay approach for these lesions. The neurosurgical intervention should be adopted when the endovascular treatment is not practicable. Case Description: We present the surgical solution adopted to treat a patient with an indirect carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), with quickly progressive symptoms, in which it was not possible to treat using the currently standardized endovascular technique. A pretemporal craniotomy with peeling of the dura mater at the middle fossa and exposure of Parkinson's triangle on the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus was performed. Fibrin glue was injected by puncture of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus for direct thrombosis of this sinus and the superior ophthalmic vein. Conclusion: In the now far 60s, Parkinson already treated patients with CCF effectively and elegantly through the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Revisiting techniques from the past, associating them with the supplies widely available today, can sometimes be the solution to some especially challenging cases that we face in our profession.

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ABSTRACT Direct carotid-cavernous fistula is a high-flow communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus that requires early transarterial embolization for its resolution. We report a case of a patient with a direct carotid-cavernous fistula who subsequently developed a central retinal vein thrombosis due to a delay in treatment related to the health collapse experienced in the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic in Spain.

RESUMO A fístula carótido-cavernosa direta é uma comunicação de alto fluxo entre a artéria carótida interna e o seio cavernoso que requer embolização trans-arterial precoce para sua resolução. É relatado aqui o caso de um paciente com fístula carótido-cavernosa direta que posteriormente desenvolveu uma trombose da veia central da retina devido a um atraso no tratamento relacionado ao colapso de saúde experimentado nos primeiros meses da pandemia de Covid-19 na Espanha.

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ABSTRACT A 97-year-old female presented with spontaneous acute-onset palpebral hyperemia and edema of the right eye that had progressively worsen over the previous three days. These signs did not suggest possible carotid-cavernous fistula until a second examination 72 h later, during which the patient exhibited significant progression. Despite embolization, the patient exhibited sustained corneal edema, clots, and turbidity in the aqueous humor, which resulted in permanent visual loss. A greater level of clinical suspicion for possible carotid-cavernous fistula is warranted on initial presentation of palpebral hyperemia and edema to prevent possible irreversible vision loss.

RESUMO O objetivo deste relato é apresentar o caso de uma paciente de 97 anos com início agudo e espontâneo de hiperemia e edema palpebral. Estes sinais não levaram a uma suspeita diagnóstica de fístula carótido-cavernosa até um segundo momento, quando a paciente apresentou progressão importante do quadro clínico. Apesar da realização de tratamento efetivo com embolização da fístula, a paciente manteve alterações oculares como edema de córnea, coágulos e turvação no humor aquoso, e manteve perda visual definitiva.

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Introduction The carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between the arterial carotid system and the cavernous sinus. In most cases, spontaneous fistulas are due to the rupture of intracavernous carotid artery aneurisms. Traumatic fistulas occur in 0.2% of head injuries, and 75% of all CCFs are caused by automobile accidents or penetrating traumas. Objective To identify the data regarding the number of annual procedures, hospital expenses, length of hospital stay, and the number of deaths of patients admitted by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym), in the period between 2007 and 2017, using the surgical code of the surgical treatment for CCF. Methods The present was an ecological study whose data were obtained by consulting the database provided by the Department of Computer Sciences of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Datasus, in Portuguese). Results A total of 85 surgical procedures were performed for the treatment of CCFs from January 2007 to October 2017 through the Unified Health System (SUS, in Portuguese), and there was a reduction of 71.42% in this period. The annual incidence of patients undergoing this surgical treatment during the period observed remained low, with 1 case per 13,135,714 in 2007, and 1 case per 51,925,000 in 2017. Conclusion Despite the low annual incidence of the surgical treatment of CCFs performed by the SUS in Brazil in the period of 2007­2017, based on the data obtained on the average length of stay and expenditures in hospital services, it is necessary that we develop an adequate health planning.

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INTRODUCTION: Multiple ways to access the dural carotid cavernous fistula have been described. The aim of the present study was to assess the results of embolization of a dural carotid cavernous fistula via different routes using endovascular accesses as a first-line strategy. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of a consecutive series of 63 patients presenting with dural carotid cavernous fistula was performed. RESULTS: The dural carotid cavernous fistula was accessed by an endovascular approach in 58 patients (92.1%) and by direct puncture in five patients (7.9%). The inferior petrosal sinus was the main route accessed (65%). A recanalization of an occluded inferior petrosal sinus was obtained in 20.6% of cases. The access via either facial ophthalmic veins or the superior petrosal sinus was obtained in 20.6% and 3.1% of cases, respectively. Complete angiographic occlusion of a dural carotid cavernous fistula immediately after treatment was achieved in 53 patients (84.1%), whereas 10 patients (15.9%) displayed a partial occlusion. Treatment-related complications were observed in two patients (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the endovascular approach allowed dural carotid cavernous fistula embolization in most patients. The inferior petrosal sinus, even when thrombosed, was the main route used to access the dural carotid cavernous fistula, followed by the facial vein, direct cavernous sinus puncture, and the superior petrosal sinus.

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INTRODUCTION: Transvenous embolization is the standard treatment for dural carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCF). Although various embolic materials have been used, the best embolic material for the treatment of DCCF is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of different embolic materials used for the endovascular treatment of DCCF. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of a consecutive series of 62 patients presenting DCCF was performed. Clinical and radiological data from patients were assessed, and the embolic material used-coils or liquids-were compared between two groups of patients. RESULTS: Complete angiographic occlusion of DCCF after treatment was achieved in 83.9% of the patients (52/62). We found a higher rate of complete occlusion of DCCF when liquids were associated with coils than with coils alone (96.5% vs 71.8%, p=0.01), and no differences in complication rates or clinical outcomes were seen between the two groups. At the 6-month follow-up, we found a higher rate of improvement in ocular symptoms compared with cranial nerve palsy improvement (94.7% vs 77.7%, p=0.02). Two patients (3.2%) had treatment-related complications without clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this study, in comparison with the use of coils alone, the association of transvenous embolization with liquid embolic agents for DCCF treatment resulted in higher rates of complete occlusion without increasing complication rates. The clinical outcome at the 6-month follow-up showed significant improvement in ocular symptoms over cranial nerve palsy regression, which was independent of the embolic agent chosen for treatment.

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RESUMEN Las fístulas carótido-cavernosas son comunicaciones anormales entre la arteria carótida interna o externa; o alguna de sus ramas (sistema arterial) y el seno cavernoso (sistema venoso); el espectro de presentación de esta entidad es muy variable, sin embargo existe un gran número de pacientes en los cuales los síntomas neurológicos conllevan a sospecha clínica. Los síntomas pueden variar desde cefalea de intensidad variable, síntomas de origen auditivo, tinitus, hipoacusia y vértigo hasta manifestaciones que son clínicamente evidenciables y signos derivados de congestión orbitaria como proptosis, quemosis, soplos orbitarios y pérdida de la visión, causas que motivan un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno. Se realiza reporte de un caso de un paciente de 60 años de edad que acude al servicio hospitalario de la Fundación Centro Colombiano y Enfermedades Neurológicas FIRE, con cefalea de 2 meses de evolución, consulta por diplopía binocular, dolor ocular bilateral, inyección conjuntival, secreción purulenta, epifora bilateral, vértigo con miositis orbitaria aguda, fístula carótido-cavernosa en ojo derecho y parálisis del sexto par craneal izquierdo. La panangiografía cerebral reporta fístula carótida-cavernosa indirecta tipo B de Barrow por aferencias del tronco meningohipofisiario derecho e izquierdo por lo que es llevado a terapia endovascular con obliteración exitosa de la fístula.

SUMMARY Carotid-cavernous fistulas are abnormal communications between the internal or external carotid artery or one of its branches (arterial system) and the cavernous sinus (venous system). The spectrum of presentation of this entity is very variable. However, patients may consult for headache and symptoms derived from orbital congestion such as proptosis, chemosis, orbital murmurs and loss of vision. They require timely diagnosis and treatment. We present the case of a 60 year old patient with a history of acute orbital myositis, carotid-cavernous fistula in the right eye, paralysis of the sixth left cranial nerve and a 2 month old headache who consults for binocular diplopia, bilateral ocular pain, conjunctival injection, purulent secretion outflow, bilateral epiphora, sensation of hallucination of movement with gait and photophobia. Cerebral panangiography reports remnant of Barrow's b-type indirect carotid-cavernous fistula by right and left meningohypophysis trunks. The pacient taken to endovascular therapy with successful fistula obliteration.

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The carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare complication in patients victimized by craniofacial trauma. It involves multidisciplinary medical action. Owing to its potential complications, it is essential that maxillofacial surgery and neurosurgery specialists diagnose this condition so that appropriate treatment can be performed. The authors present a report of a case 11 years after the surgery.

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RESUMO As fístulas carótido-cavernosas são uma causa rara, porém grave, de glaucoma secundário por aumento da pressão venosa episcleral. Apresenta-se um caso de uma mulher de 72 anos, negra, atendida no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (HC-UFTM) com dor, sensação de pulsação, proptose, engurgitamento episcleral e quemose em olho direito, com aumento da pressão intraocular (PIO) apesar do uso de mediação anti-glaucomatosa. Na arteriografia foi evidenciada fístula dural para o seio cavernoso à direita, com refluxo para as veias orbitárias ipsilaterais. Realizou-se tratamento com agente líquido de embolização e, após o tratamento cirúrgico, apresentou melhora completa da proptose e congestão dos vasos episclerais, porém manteve PIO aumentada e desenvolvimento de glaucoma de ângulo fechado pela presença de goniossinéquias em 270º, com controle satisfatório com medicação.

ABSTRACT Carotid-cavernous fistulas are a major cause of secondary glaucoma due to increased episcleral venous pressure. We present the case of a 72-year-old female patient, treated at the Hospital de Clínicas at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (HC-UFTM), with pain, proptosis, episcleral engorgement, chemosis and pulsation in the right eye, with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) on anti-glaucomatous medication.Arteriography showed dural fistula to the right cavernous sinus, with reflux to orbital veins.Treatment with liquid embolization agent was performed, following full recovery of proptosis and congestion of the episcleral vessels. However, the patient maintained increased IOP because of narrow-angle glaucoma development due to the presence of goniosynechiae in 270º, which was controlled satisfactorily with medication.

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BACKGROUND: Endovascular embolization represents the method of choice for the treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). METHODS: We report our experience using the endovascular technique in 24 patients harboring 25 CCFs treated between October 1994 and April 2010, with an emphasis on the role of detachable balloons for the treatment of direct CCFs. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients who presented with direct CCFs (Barrow Type A CCFs) (age range, 7-62 years; mean age, 34.3 years), 14 were caused by traumatic injury and 2 by a ruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Eight patients (age range, 32-71 years; mean age, 46.5 years) presented with nine indirect CCFs (Barrow Types B, C, and D). The clinical follow-up after endovascular treatment ranged from 2 to 108 months (mean, 35.2 months). In two cases (8%), the endovascular approach failed. Symptomatic complications related to the procedure occurred in three patients (12.5%): transient cranial nerve palsy in two patients and a permanent neurological deficit in one patient. Detachable balloons were used in 13 out of 16 (81.3%) direct CCFs and were associated with a cure rate of 92.3%. Overall, the angiographic cure rate was obtained in 22 out of 25 (88%) fistulas. Patients presenting with III nerve palsy improved gradually between 1 day and 6 months after treatment. Good clinical outcomes [modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤ 2] were observed in 22 out of 24 (91.6%) patients at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment using detachable balloons still constitutes a safe and effective method to treat direct carotid-cavernous fistulas.

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