Ruptured infectious ICA pseudoaneurysm into the sphenoid sinus after maxillofacial infection, successfully treated by selective embolization

BACKGROUND: Intracranial infectious aneurysms are cerebral aneurysms caused by pathogen-induced inflammation undermining the arterial wall. We present a rare case of inflammatory pseudoaneurysm of cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed maxillofacial infection with Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter after chemotherapy onset. Initial plain computed tomography (CT) revealed bony dehiscence of the left ICA canal, as well as bilateral protrusion of the vessel within the sphenoid sinus. Following infection spread into the left sphenoid sinus, she presented with episodes of intermittent epistaxis, without any profound vascular abnormalities on postcontrast CT. CT angiography that was performed 15 days later, due to refractory epistaxis, illustrated a large narrow necked irregular shape pseudoaneurysm of the left paraophthalmic ICA, extending into the ipsilateral sphenoid sinus. The aneurysm was completely occluded by selective embolization without parent or adjacent vessel sacrifice, documented on both intraoperative and follow-up angiogram, with no recurrence of epistaxis. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, ruptured internal carotid infectious aneurysms are rare but potentially fatal causes of epistaxis when extended into the sphenoid sinus. Selective coiling is feasible and can provide definitive treatment of these lesions.