Giant intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm with fatal epistaxis.

Abstract

The case history and autopsy findings of a 32-year-old male, who suffered a mild closed-head injury and then had repeated epistaxis beginning 5 months later, is presented. The condition culminated in an episode of fatal epistaxis 1 year after the injury. At one time during the course of his work-up, the etiology of his repeated epistaxis was thought to be a vascular nasopharyngeal neoplasm. The diagnosis of an intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm was made only at autopsy. The principles of management of traumatic intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting with epistaxis are discussed.