Spontaneous resolution of ophthalmologic symptoms following bilateral traumatic carotid cavernous fistulae

Digit J Ophthalmol. 2013 May 10;19(2):33-8. doi: 10.5693/djo.02.2013.02.003. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

A 38-year-old woman developed bilateral carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) following a motor vehicle collision. Her initial ophthalmologic findings included periorbital edema, palsies of the left oculomotor and abducens nerves, and residual dilated pupils. She subsequently developed significant optic disc edema and retinal vascular dilation bilaterally. Patients with similar injuries typically require neurosurgical or vascular intervention. In this case, the patient's signs resolved spontaneously by 21 months after onset, leaving no residual ocular deficits.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Adult
  • Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*