Management of Carotid Carvenous Fistula in Ghana; Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Carotid-cavernous fistula is an abnormal communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The fistula is classified based on its etiology, haemodynamic and anatomical configuration. The most common type is the direct high flow fistula resulting from trauma. Indirect fistula which is less common results from underlying conditions such as hypertension, collagen vascular diseases, pregnancy amongst others. It is in regards with this uncommon occurrence of indirect fistula that we report a case of forty years old woman who presented with a left protruding eyeball and headache a month after delivery and was diagnosed with spontaneous type D indirect carotid cavernous fistula with rapidly progressing symptoms. She was referred abroad for interventional radiological services due to unavailability of such services in our facility and country.

Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation

“…[ 3 5 10 23 24 25 ] This case was managed conservatively with a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the various deficits due to unavailability of funds as well as highly resourced neurosurgical facilities or interventional radiological services hampering the possibility of attempting intervention in our sub region. [ 26 27 ]…”