Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

Carotid-Cavernous Fistula
Other Names	Caroticocavernous Fistula
A Barrow Type D carotid-cavernous fistula on CT angiography
Identifiers
ICD-9	437.3
ICD-10	I67.1
Outside Resources
EyeWiki	Carotid Cavernous Fistula
Radiopaedia	Carotiocavernous Fistula

Overview

Carotid-cavernous fistula, or caroticocavernous fistula, is an acquired communication between the carotid artery system and the cavernous sinus.

Pathophysiology

Relevant Anatomy

• Contents of the cavernous sinus

  Contents of the cavernous sinus

• Bilateral cavernous sinus contents with communication through the circular venous plexus

  Bilateral cavernous sinus contents with communication through the circular venous plexus

• Lateral view of the cavernous sinus in the skull base

  Lateral view of the cavernous sinus in the skull base

• Axial view of the cavernous sinus

  Axial view of the cavernous sinus

Diagnosis

Imaging

CT angiography or MR angiography are typically the first line imaging modality based on patient presentation and ease of availability in the emergency department. Angiography is the gold standard of diagnostic imaging in order to confirm the communication, as well as describe the location and flow of the fistula.