Carotid cavernous fistula presenting as orbital cellulitis

Abstract

Carotid cavernous fistula is a serious vascular pathology that is commonly misdiagnosed due to clinical signs that overlap with several other pathologies and the need for sensitive imaging techniques, most notably digital subtraction angiography, to make the diagnosis. Here we present a case of carotid cavernous fistula mimicking orbital cellulitis, ultimately diagnosed with magnetic resonance venography.