Ophthalmopathy Induced by Bilateral Carotid Cavernous Fistula in a Patient with Graves' Disease.
10.3803/EnM.2011.26.4.335
- Author:
Jong Kun HA
1
;
Ji Hye SUK
;
A Ra JO
;
Chan Woo JUNG
;
Bong Jae KIM
;
Seong Oh PARK
;
Sang Su KIM
;
Mi Kyung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Maryknoll Medical Center, Busan, Korea. Jihyesuk@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Carotid cavernous fistula;
Graves' disease;
Ophthalmopathy
- MeSH:
Angiography;
Carotid Arteries;
Cavernous Sinus;
Caves;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Exophthalmos;
Eye;
Fistula;
Graves Disease;
Graves Ophthalmopathy;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Orbit;
Troleandomycin
- From:Endocrinology and Metabolism
2011;26(4):335-339
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Graves' disease (GD) can lead to specific eye afflictions including proptosis, periorbital swelling, conjunctival injection, chemosis, and opthalmoplegia, which then become a condition called Graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). A carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal vascular communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The clinical signs of CCF are very similar to TAO and should be considered as a differential diagnosis of TAO. We would like to present an interesting case of a bilateral ophthalmopathy induced by CCF in a GD patient. A 54-year-old man with a 6-year history of GD presented with bilateral exophthalmos and conjunctival injection for two months. The orbital CT scan findings were consistent with CCF, and an angiography revealed bilateral CCF. He received a bilateral coil embolization for the CCF and his ophthalmic signs were immediately improved. We recommend orbital imaging to exclude other coexisting diseases in patients who are suspected of TAO, especially when the diagnosis is uncertain or when determining whether medical or surgical intervention is appropriate.
