Endovascular therapy of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas

Traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) are: capable of causing a large variety of signs and symptoms, including visual loss, glaucoma, chemosis, e xophthalmos, and orbital cranial nerve palsies. The high pressure in the ve ins that normally drain the globe can cause them, to engorge and produce lo cal compression of adjacent structures. At present, endovascular closure of the fistula is the treatment of choice, particularly in patients with prog ressive neurologic deterioration, Endovascular repair of CCF most commonly involves the use of detachable balloons, although coils are also used. Effe ctive closure of the fistula leads to rapid resolution of the symptoms.