Intraconal Superior Ophthalmic Vein Embolisation for Carotid Cavernous Fistula

Abstract

A 53-year-old man presented with a longstanding carotid cavernous fistula that could not be embolised completely via the femoral route. A superior ophthalmic vein approach was necessary; however, the vein was thrombosed anteriorly and only intraconal cannulation was possible. The vein was accessed via a superior lid crease approach and the fistula successfully embolised. Whilst utilising the superior ophthalmic vein is well described in the literature, to our knowledge, needing to access the intraconal portion of the vein has not previously been reported.

KEYWORDS:

• Carotid cavernous fistula
• superior ophthalmic vein
• intraconal embolization