Abstract
A case of double ophthalmic arteries arising from the internal carotid artery with unique features is reported. This case was discovered following in the course of time the progress of a thrombosis of the anterior cavernous sinus associated with a low-flow direct arteriovenous fistula of the superior ophthalmic vein. At different time points, the same patient underwent four angiographic studies and one computerized tomography with contrast medium. Angiographies showed that the double internal carotid artery origin of the ophthalmic artery was detectable only within a short range of time. To the best of our knowledge, this case is unique as it demonstrates that a second ophthalmic artery may lie hidden, showing itself only under particular hemodynamic requirements.
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Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Dr. Marì Regoli for the drawings and to Prof. Alfredo Casasco for his invaluable insights in the critical analysis of the case.
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276_2016_1672_MOESM1_ESM.tif
Online resources. Radiologic diagnosis of thrombosis of the right anterior cavernous sinus. a) CT scan without contrast medium. A hyperdensity (arrows) is visible in the area corresponding to the anterior portion of the cavernous sinus; b) contrast-enhanced CT scan. A hyperdensity is detectable in the same region as in a (arrows). However, the hyperdensity is restricted to the border of the affected area (delta sign); c) T2 W FFE MR imaging. A hypointense signal is detectable in the anterior portion of the cavernous sinus (arrows); d) A high signal intensity is achieved in the same area by T2 W FLAIR MR imaging (TIFF 1853 kb)
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Bracco, S., Gennari, P., Vallone, I.M. et al. Double ophthalmic arteries arising from the internal carotid artery: a case report of a hidden second ophthalmic artery. Surg Radiol Anat 38, 1233–1237 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1672-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1672-3