A rare case report of complications in craniofacial injuries: Cavernous sinus-carotid fistula

RATIONALE: Cavernous sinus-carotid fistula (CCF) is a rare complication of craniofacial injuries in patients receiving oral and maxillofacial surgical care. PATIENT CONCERNS: A retrospective review of 15 patients with CCF records was conducted. In addition, we present a rare case of a 32-year-old Chinese woman with CCF receiving oral and maxillofacial surgical care. DIAGNOSES: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed a diagnosis of CCF. INTERVENTIONS: Endovascular surgery was performed via the femoral artery under general anesthesia without any complications. OUTCOMES: The postoperative course was uneventful, and the subjective and objective ophthalmic symptoms had resolved. LESSONS: The symptoms of CCF may be delayed for several days or weeks. Thus, maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of this and avoid the untimely repair of facial fractures with potentially disastrous consequences. Interventional neuroradiologic approaches that involve the use of a detachable balloon have made it possible to care for patients with CCF without any complications.