Skip to main content
Skull Base Surgery logoLink to Skull Base Surgery
. 1998;8(4):225–228. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1058188

Carotid Cavernous Fistula Associated with Persistent Trigeminal Artery

Endovascular Treatment Using Coil Embolization

Robert W Hurst, Robert S Howard, Eric Zager
PMCID: PMC1656702  PMID: 17171071

Abstract

Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) associated with persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is a rare but important clinical entity. We present a case treated by microcoil embolization with preservation of internal carotid, PTA, and hasilar artery flow following embolization. A 62-year-old female developed pulsatile tinnitus followed by left eye proptosis and diplopia. Examination revealed a cranial nerve VI palsy and an objective bruit over the left orbit. Angiographic evaluation revealed a carotid cavernous fistula originating from a persistent trigeminal artery. Placement of a detachable balloon across the fistula site while preserving the PTA proved impossible, and the fistula was treated with microcoils following placement of a microcatheter across the fistula into the cavernous sinus. Complete closure of the fistula was followed by resolution of the patient's symptoms. Preservation of all major vessels including the PTA was accomplished through the use of coil embolization. Careful evaluation of the angiogram is necessary to identify PTA associated with a CCF. Previous reports have described treatment of CCF with PTA by surgical or balloon ocolusion, some involving sacrifice of the PTA. Examination of the relevant embryology and anatomy reveals, however, that occlusion of the PTA must be approached with caution due to potential supply to the posterior circulation.

Full text

PDF
226

Images in this article

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Cheng W. C., Wang A. D. Carotid-cavernous sinus fistula associated with a primitive trigeminal artery. Neurosurgery. 1990 Nov;27(5):802–805. doi: 10.1097/00006123-199011000-00020. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Debrun G. M., Davis K. R., Nauta H. J., Heros R. E., Ahn H. S. Treatment of carotid cavernous fistulae or cavernous aneurysms associated with a persistent trigeminal artery: report of three cases. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1988 Jul-Aug;9(4):749–755. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Eggers F. M., Tomsick T. A., Chambers A. A., Lukin R. R. Aneurysms of persistent trigeminal arteries. Report of two cases. Neuroradiology. 1982;24(1):65–66. doi: 10.1007/BF00344587. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Garza-Mercado R., Cavazos E. Persistent trigeminal artery associated with intracranial arterial aneurysm. Neurosurgery. 1984 May;14(5):604–607. doi: 10.1227/00006123-198405000-00018. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Guglielmi G., Viñuela F., Dion J., Duckwiler G., Cantore G., Delfini R. Persistent primitive trigeminal artery-cavernous sinus fistulas: report of two cases. Neurosurgery. 1990 Nov;27(5):805–809. doi: 10.1097/00006123-199011000-00021. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Kerber C. W., Manke W. Trigeminal artery to cavernous sinus fistula treated by balloon occlusion. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1983 Apr;58(4):611–613. doi: 10.3171/jns.1983.58.4.0611. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. MOFFAT D. B. The development of the posterior cerebral artery. J Anat. 1961 Oct;95:485–494. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Odake G. Carotid-anterior cerebral artery anastomosis with aneurysm: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery. 1988 Nov;23(5):654–658. doi: 10.1227/00006123-198811000-00021. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Ohshiro S., Inoue T., Hamada Y., Matsuno H. Branches of the persistent primitive trigeminal artery--an autopsy case. Neurosurgery. 1993 Jan;32(1):144–148. doi: 10.1227/00006123-199301000-00025. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Siqueira M., Piske R., Ono M., Marino Júnior R. Cerebellar arteries originating from the internal carotid artery. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1993 Sep-Oct;14(5):1229–1235. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Tomsick T. A., Lukin R. R., Chambers A. A. Persistent trigeminal artery: unusual associated abnormalities. Neuroradiology. 1979 May 15;17(5):253–257. doi: 10.1007/BF00337535. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Skull base surgery are provided here courtesy of Thieme Medical Publishers

RESOURCES