J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1968 Mar;9(1):33-36.

A Case of Pulsating Exophthalmos

• Yoo DU
• Suhk JS
• Oh JS
• Han PS

Abstract

A case of post-traumatic pulsating exophthalmos is presented in this report. A 30 year old Korean male received very slight trauma by heading wooden-shelf without apparent external wound. Since then left side tinitus appeared without significant headache and it has progressed slowly. About 20 days prior to visit K.N.U. Hospital, he noticed slight protruding of his left eye-ball which was followed by progressively increasing dull headache and exophthalmos. Left carotid angiography revealed a large area of aneurysmal dilatation at the bifurcation of the internal carotid artery and extravasation of contrast medium around the sella turcica and middle fossa region. No fracture was noted in the skull films. Synchronous bruit and thrill on the left eye-ball was noted but this was easily disappeared by digital compression on the left carotid artery. The exophthaImometric and tonometric examination revealed 12 mm (O.D.), 18 mm (O.S.) and 15 mmHg (O.D.), 12-30 mmHg(O.S.). Fundus picture showed no signs of arteriosclerosis. Following conclusions were discussed: 1. Rupture of the internal carotid artery by slight head trauma may occur without any siginificant predisposing factors such as arterial aneurysm or arteriosderosis. 2. The sphenoid syndrome developed at the beginning of the disease could be attributed to the elevation of the ca vernous sinus pressure. 3. Early elevation of the intraocular pressure may be associated with that of the venous pressure.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aneurysm
Angiography
Arteriosclerosis
Carotid Arteries
Carotid Artery, Internal
Causality
Craniocerebral Trauma
Dilatation
Exophthalmos*
Head
Headache
Humans
Intraocular Pressure
Male
Rupture
Sella Turcica
Skull
Venous Pressure
Wounds and Injuries