Endovascular Intervention for a Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: A Case Report

A carotid-cavernous fistula is a rare vascular anomaly involving abnormal communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. This condition leads to the shunting of arterial blood directly into the venous system, causing diverse clinical manifestations. The classification includes direct and indirect fistulas, with endovascular techniques emerging as a preferred treatment option. In this report, we present the case of a 58-year-old male who presented with progressive right-sided proptosis, headache, and visual disturbances. He exhibited right abducens nerve palsy, reduced visual acuity, and a dilated superior ophthalmic vein on imaging. A multidisciplinary team confirmed the diagnosis of a carotid-cavernous fistula and chose to pursue endovascular embolization. Catheter angiography revealed the fistula and balloon-assisted occlusion restored normal arterial flow. The patient's symptoms improved, and follow-up showed complete resolution of proptosis and enhanced visual acuity. Successful endovascular embolization underscores the significance of a multidisciplinary approach and showcases the positive outcomes achievable when diverse specialties converge for patient well-being.