open access

Vol 49, No 1 (2015)
Case reports
Submitted: 2014-02-28
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Segmental cavernous carotid ectasia in a patient with cluster-like headache

Robert Semnic1, Duško Kozić1, Marija Semnic2, Jasna Trifunović3, Svetlana Simić2, Aleksandra Radojičić4
DOI: 10.1016/j.pjnns.2015.01.002
·
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2015;49(1):70-73.
Affiliations
  1. Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Diagnostic Imaging Center and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad
  2. Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Neurology Clinic and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad
  3. Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Internal Oncology Clinic and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad
  4. Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, Headache Center, Belgrade

open access

Vol 49, No 1 (2015)
Case reports
Submitted: 2014-02-28

Abstract

Introduction

Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache with severe, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain lasting 15–180min, accompanied with various cranial autonomic features. A diagnosis of cluster-like headache can be made whenever underlying cause of CLH is present.

Methods and results

We report a case where an ectatic cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery triggered CHL, most probably due to compression of the ophthalmic nerve within cavernous sinus. The pathological substrate of a vessel ectasia is degeneration of the tunica intima as a consequence of atherosclerosis and hypertension. On the other hand, cavernous sinus is unique space where parasympathetic, sympathetic and nociceptive fibers are in intimate relationship which is of great importance for understanding of CH pathophysiology.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging and MR angiography are mandatory imaging tools used for precise localization of pathological changes in the cavernous sinus, especially in the group of secondary headaches attributed to vascular disorders.

Abstract

Introduction

Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache with severe, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain lasting 15–180min, accompanied with various cranial autonomic features. A diagnosis of cluster-like headache can be made whenever underlying cause of CLH is present.

Methods and results

We report a case where an ectatic cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery triggered CHL, most probably due to compression of the ophthalmic nerve within cavernous sinus. The pathological substrate of a vessel ectasia is degeneration of the tunica intima as a consequence of atherosclerosis and hypertension. On the other hand, cavernous sinus is unique space where parasympathetic, sympathetic and nociceptive fibers are in intimate relationship which is of great importance for understanding of CH pathophysiology.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging and MR angiography are mandatory imaging tools used for precise localization of pathological changes in the cavernous sinus, especially in the group of secondary headaches attributed to vascular disorders.

Get Citation

Keywords

Cluster headache, Internal carotid artery diseases, Magnetic resonance imaging, Magnetic resonance angiography, Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias

About this article
Title

Segmental cavernous carotid ectasia in a patient with cluster-like headache

Journal

Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska

Issue

Vol 49, No 1 (2015)

Pages

70-73

Page views

327

Article views/downloads

670

DOI

10.1016/j.pjnns.2015.01.002

Bibliographic record

Neurol Neurochir Pol 2015;49(1):70-73.

Keywords

Cluster headache
Internal carotid artery diseases
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance angiography
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias

Authors

Robert Semnic
Duško Kozić
Marija Semnic
Jasna Trifunović
Svetlana Simić
Aleksandra Radojičić

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