False aneurysm of the cavernous carotid artery and progressive external ophthalmoplegia after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Case report.

A case is reported in which a large false aneurysm and small associated fistula formed in the cavernous carotid artery as the result of laceration at the time of transsphenoidal surgery. The clinical syndrome associated with the enlarging mass and the surgical management of the lesion itself are described. The value of the midline approach to the sella is stressed, along with anatomical variants of the carotid artery.