Fatal epistaxis from an aneurysm of the intracranial internal carotid artery

Aust N Z J Surg. 1981 Apr;51(2):206-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1981.tb05942.x.

Abstract

An instance of fatal epistaxis is reported in a patient with an unsuspected aneurysm of the infraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery. There was no known history of trauma. The aneurysm was subsequently detected on an old X-ray film. Epistaxis from an aneurysm at this site is nearly always preceded by significant head trauma and is associated with cranial nerve palsies, a syndrome with a high mortality. Epistaxis from rupture of a non-traumatic aneurysm is very rare.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / pathology*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / pathology
  • Epistaxis / etiology*
  • Epistaxis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / pathology
  • Male