DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING CAROTID-CAVERNOUS FISTULAS WITH COLOR DOPPLER IMAGING

Color Doppler imaging allows simultaneous bidimensional imaging and Do ppler evaluation of blood flow in orbital vessels. We report 4 cases i n which color Doppler imaging was used to diagnose and monitor carotid cavernous fistulas. In all cases, color Doppler imaging demonstrated dilated, arterialized superior ophthalmic veins; these findings were c onfirmed by angiography. Two patients underwent embolization with comp lete regression of the clinical findings. After embolization, color Do ppler imaging revealed normal, laminar flow in the superior ophthalmic vein. This noninvasive technique represents a safe and fast method th at is useful in the diagnosis and post-treatment follow-up of carotid cavernous fistulas. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.