Efficiency of endovascular management with a combination of Onyx and coils for direct and indirect carotid cavernous fistula treatment: Experience of a single center

Abstract

BackgroundTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment with a combination of Onyx and coils for carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs), and to characterize the factors associated with clinical and angiographic outcomes for direct and indirect CCFs. MethodsThis retrospective study included 31 patients with CCF treated with an endovascular procedure between December 2017 and March 2022. ResultsDirect and indirect CCFs were found in 14 (45.2%) and 17 (54.8%) cases, respectively. Direct CCFs included eleven traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas. The most common symptom on admission was chemosis, which was seen in 17 (54.8%) patients. Eight (25.7%) cases were treated by the transarterial approach. Fourteen (45.2%) cases were treated using the femoral vein-inferior petrosal sinus approach. Seven (22.6%) were treated by direct puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein. Two (6.5%) were treated by the femoral vein-facial vein approach. Immediate complete occlusion and follow-up rates were 93.5% and 96.7%, respectively. Twenty-nine (96.7%) patients experienced an improvement in their symptoms at clinical follow-up. Chemosis was significantly improved or resolved in 15 patients. Ophthalmoplegia was improved or resolved in 10 patients. Visual impairment was improved in 6 patients. Proptosis was improved or resolved in 5 patients. One case (3.2%) experienced procedure-related complication presented with transient oculomotor nerve palsy. In univariate subgroup analysis, use of balloon, treatment approach, and history of head trauma were significantly different between the direct and indirect CCF groups. ConclusionsEndovascular treatment with a combination of Onyx and coils is a safe and effective therapy for CCFs. In this study, the transarterial approach was a favorable option for embolization of direct CCFs. In contrast, the transvenous approach may be the first choice of treatment for indirect CCFs.