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Spontaneous rupture of an intra-cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting with massive epistaxis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2011

A Davies*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK
O Dale
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK
S Renowden
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroradiology, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Alex Davies, Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS15 1LE, UK Fax: +44 (0)117 975 3846 E-mail: alex.davies@doctors.org.uk

Abstract

Objective:

We report a rare case of epistaxis resulting from a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm, and present a successful treatment method.

Case report:

A 72-year-old woman was admitted following recurrent massive epistaxis. There was no history of trauma or surgery. Radiographic imaging demonstrated a large internal carotid artery aneurysm. An attempt was made to occlude the aneurysm with endovascular coils. Despite this, the patient went on to have further epistaxis. Endovascular ablation of the feeding internal carotid artery led to complete resolution.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates that spontaneous epistaxis from intra-cavernous carotid artery aneurysms can be managed using endovascular techniques. To our knowledge, we report the first use of interventional radiological techniques to assess the collateral circulation to the brain and subsequently undertake endovascular ablation of the internal carotid artery.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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References

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