False aneurysm of cavernous carotid artery and carotid cavernous fistula: complications following transsphenoidal surgery

Neurol India. 2003 Mar;51(1):81-3.

Abstract

We present two cases of carotid injury during transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. While in one of the cases it resulted in the formation of a false aneurysm of cavernous carotid artery, in the other patient, a carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) formed. The false aneurysm was managed by surgical trapping and the patient had an uneventful recovery. The CCF was initially managed with balloon embolization. The balloon got deflated and resulted in a false aneurysm with persistent CCF. This was occluded with Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC). The management options are discussed and relevant literature is reviewed. We emphasize the importance of an early cerebral angiography to know the status of the injured carotid artery and formation of false aneurysm / fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / pathology
  • Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / etiology*
  • Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / pathology
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Sphenoid Bone / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed