Robert Semnic1, Duško Kozić2, Marija Semnic3, Jasna Trifunović4, Svetlana Simić3, Aleksandra Radojičić5. 1. Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Diagnostic Imaging Center and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia. Electronic address: semnic@open.telekom.rs. 2. Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Diagnostic Imaging Center and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia. 3. Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Neurology Clinic and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia. 4. Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Internal Oncology Clinic and University of Novi Sad, School of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia. 5. Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, Headache Center, Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache with severe, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain lasting 15-180 min, 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.
INTRODUCTION:Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache with severe, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain lasting 15-180 min, 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.