Nontraumatic Carotid-Ophthalmic Aneurysm Presenting as Recurrent Epistaxis

Recurrent epistaxis can be a rare presentation of ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm. Although primarily a neurosurgical problem, these cases may be seen initially by the otolaryngologist, as the aneurysm erodes through the thin adjacent sphenoid sinus wall and ruptures, producing epistaxis. In most cases these aneurysms are traumatic in origin. We present the first cited case of a nontraumatic internal carotid aneurysm, arising from the origin of the ophthalmic artery, which presented as intermittent epistaxis from the sphenoid sinus. We suggest that aneurysmal rupture be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cases of epistaxis from the sphenoid sinus. Nasal endoscopy and CT scan of the paranasal sinuses in non-emergent cases is valuable in localizing the source of the bleed. Furthermore, preoperative angiography is essential in making the diagnosis of aneurysm and avoiding fatal torrential hemorrhage caused by nasal surgery. Once the diagnosis is made, the definitive treatment is surgical or intravascular trapping of the aneurysm.