Cerebrovascular complications of transorbital penetrating intracranial injuries

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular trauma secondary to transorbital intracranial penetrating injury (TIPVI) is rare. Relatively benign initial presentation may mask the underlying life-threatening vascular injury in transorbital intracranial penetrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical features and endovascular treatment of TIPVI.

METHODS: Six patients with angiographic documentation of TIPVI in subacute/chronic phase were reviewed retrospectively. Five were treated endovascularly; however endovascular treatment was aborted in one and conservative management was pursued.

RESULTS: Except for one case presenting with vision loss and mild stroke, no significant neurologic deficit was present. Vascular lesions included two cases of carotid-cavernous fistulas, three traumatic aneurysms of cavernous carotid, anterior and middle cerebral arteries and a unique case of coalescing cavernous aneurysms following a through-and-through injury in which the aneurysms united within the thrombosed cavernous sinus on follow up. Fistulas were treated with covered stents, aneurysms with parent artery occlusion or flow diverters. All patients had uneventful recoveries.

CONCLUSION: TIPVI may present in a delayed fashion after a seemingly benign presentation. A high index of suspicion is critical to rule out TIPVI with vascular imaging. Transcatheter angiographic techniques allow for both diagnosis and treatment of TIPVI with favorable results.