Carotid cavernous fistula due to a ruptured intracavernous aneurysm of theinternal carotid artery: treatment with selective endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm

Intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms causing a carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) are rare. These aneurysms usually cause neurological symptoms due to gradual expansion without rupture. If they do rupture they most often lead to a CCF instead of bleeding into the subarachnoid space. A patient is des cribed with a ruptured intracavernous aneurysm causing a CCF resulting in a cute onset of unilateral ophthalmoplegia. Selective coil embolisation of th e aneurysm led to complete occlusion of the CCF with preservation of the in ternal carotid artery; symptoms resolved completely.