Traumatic Common Carotid–Internal Jugular Arteriovenous Fistula Manifesting as Life-Threatening Epistaxis

Abstract

Post-traumatic common carotid artery–internal jugular vein fistula is extremely rare (4% to 7% of all traumatic arteriovenous fistulas). Clinical manifestations depend on the size, duration, and proximity to the heart. This report describes a case where the condition remained undiagnosed for years, and the patient was recently treated with transsternal ligation of the left common carotid artery. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Keywords

• common carotid artery
• carotid jugular fistula
• internal jugular vein