Delayed detection of carotid-cavernous fistulas associated with wartime blast-induced craniofacial trauma

Neurosurg Focus. 2010 May;28(5):E6. doi: 10.3171/2010.2.FOCUS09257.

Abstract

Blast-induced neurotrauma is a leading cause of military casualties. Its effects on cerebrovascular structures are not well understood. Vascular injury resulting from overpressure shock wave impact may have a delayed presentation and detection. The authors present the cases of 2 patients who sustained blast-induced craniofacial trauma and brain injury. Detection of a cervical dissection was delayed in one patient, and detection of carotid-cavernous fistulas was delayed in both patients. The authors report the successful obliteration of both the dissection and the carotidcavernous fistulas via an endovascular approach. Endovascular management provides both a reasonable and effective therapeutic option to blast-induced cerebrovascular injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blast Injuries / diagnosis
  • Blast Injuries / surgery
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries / surgery
  • Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / etiology
  • Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / surgery
  • Cerebrovascular Trauma / complications
  • Cerebrovascular Trauma / diagnosis*
  • Cerebrovascular Trauma / surgery*
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / diagnosis
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / surgery
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Explosions
  • Facial Injuries / diagnosis
  • Facial Injuries / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillofacial Injuries / diagnosis
  • Maxillofacial Injuries / surgery
  • Military Medicine*
  • Warfare*