Carotid cavernous fistula with central retinal artery occlusion and Terson syndrome after mid-facial trauma

Abstract

Objectives: To report a rare occurrence combination of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and Terson syndrome in a Barrow’s type A carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) patient.Methods: Observational case report.Results: A twenty-year-old male patient with a history of road traffic accident presented with periorbital swelling and redness in the left eye. Examination revealed a CRAO with intraretinal and preretinal hemorrhages. On imaging, type A CCF and subarachnoid hemorrhage were detected. He underwent embolization of the fistula for cosmetic blemish. The possible mechanisms and clinical implications are discussed. Conclusion: Patients with a head injury can have serious ocular damage. Posterior segment manifestations of CCFs are varied and at times can occur in various rare combinations, making it challenging. Early recognition of these rare manifestations and a multi-disciplinary approach are needed in patients with head trauma.

Keywords

• carotid cavernous fistula
• central retinal artery occlusion
• Terson syndrome
• traumatic optic neuropathy