Acute onset of massive epistaxis due to post-traumatic cavernous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm: A case report

摘要

Rationale:Cavernous internal carotid artery(ICA)pseudoaneurysm caused by non-penetrating head trauma is a rare cause of massive epistaxis.The sudden onset of epistaxis due to such a fatal aneurysm protruding into the sphenoid sinus is extremely rare in clinical practice.The management is often challenging because of anatomical inaccessibility of the bleeding point.Patient's concern:A 42-year-old man with a history of head trauma showing an ICA aneurysm eroding the sphenoid sinus followed by massive epistaxis.Diagnosis:A computerized tomography(CT)scan showed a fracture in the sphenoid sinus.CT angiogram revealed cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm.Interventions:Endovascular coil embolization.Outcomes:The patient recovered well and was discharged without any neurological deficits Lessons:Cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm may lead to a life-threatening situation.If a patient has a history of head trauma,post-traumatic cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm should be considered a differential diagnosis of massive epistaxis.