What Is a Fistula?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
10. Other Fistulas
A carotid cavernous fistula occurs between the arterial and venous systems in the skull. It can cause progressive visual loss, pain, and bulging of the eye. A labyrinthine fistula is an abnormal opening in the inner ear resulting in leakage of perilymph into the middle ear.
This can cause imbalance, dizziness, and hearing loss. It can occur congenitally or due to a complication of a medical procedure. There are other various fistulas such as lacrimal (eye) fistula, mastoid fistula, coronary arteriovenous fistula, pulmonary vessels arteriovenous fistula, and salivary gland fistula. Generally, a diagnosis can be made via medical imaging. Treatment may be conservative and involve watchful observation or surgery.
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