Posttraumatic cavernous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm causing massive epistaxis: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of eastern India

Abstract

Background: Pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) is an uncommon clinical incidence. This may cause massive epistaxis and pose a life-threatening situation for patient. Aim: The aim of this study to acquaint the clinicians with this rare cause of the massive epistaxis due to posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous ICA. This study evaluates the details of patient's profile including presenting symptoms, investigation, treatment, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: Data of seven patients with cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm presenting with epistaxis from March 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The age range of the patients was from 22 to 64 years. Duration of head trauma to the epistaxis ranged from 1 month to 4 months. All had history of head trauma. All were managed by endovascular coil embolization. Conclusion: Cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm can cause life-threatening epistaxis. Patients present with severe epistaxis and history of head trauma should be thought for traumatic pseudoaneurysm of cavernous ICA. Endovascular coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm is an important option for effective treatment.

Keywords

• epistaxis
• internal carotid artery
• pseudoaneurysm
• sphenoid sinus