Delayed Pontomesencephalic and Cervical Cord Venous Drainage Followed by Contralateral Carotid-Cavernous Fistula after Craniofacial Fractures: A Case Report

Abstract

A 24-year-old male was admitted with progressive cervical hypesthesia, tetraparesis, dyspnea, and a history of craniofacial fracture. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed brainstem edema extending to the thoracic spine with multiple prominent perimedullary vascular structures. Cerebral digital-substraction angiography revealed Barrow type A carotid-cavernous fistula. Total occlusion with preservation of internal carotid artery flow was achieved using 1 detachable balloon and 6 coils. Postoperatively, immediate respiratory recovery, gradual extremities strength improvement, and right abducens nerve palsy were found. One month follow-up cervical MRI showed good recovery of spinal cord edema and perimedullary veins.

Keywords

• trauma
• carotid-cavernous fistula
• delayed myelopathy