Work

Intracerebral hemorrhage and carotid-cavernous fistulas: a rare connection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal arteriovenous shunts between the carotid arterial system and the cavernous sinus. They most frequently present with ocular symptoms, but intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) as an initial manifestation is exceedingly rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 41-year-old male with a progressive hemiparesis and a spontaneous CCF with atypical reflux into the deep cerebral veins and subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage, discuss the underlying pathomechanism, and provide an overview of the existing literature. CONCLUSION: CCFs should be included in the differential diagnosis of ICH, particularly when atypical venous drainage patterns are involved.

Source: Neuroradiology

DOI: 10.1007/s00234-026-03933-w

Authors: Christian Gronemann, Sarah Panahabadi, Julia Layer, Felix J Bode, Franziska Dorn

Institutions: University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn

Language: English

Topic: Vascular Malformations Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790