Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) are reported very rarely in childhood and
their clinical course and prognosis are uncertain. We report a 9-year-old b
oy presented with left eye swelling, neck pain and headache. The MRI findin
gs suggested a CCF with enlarged left superior ophthalmic vein. Ocular Dopp
ler ultrasonography revealed enlarged left superior ophthalmic vein, and ar
terialization of Doppler wave form. The cerebral angiogram showed normal an
atomy. Control Doppler examination findings supported the diagnosis of clos
ure of fistula. The clinical and radiological findings of this unusual pres
entation are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights r
eserved.