Transarterial Embolization of an Indirect Carotid- Cavernous Fistula with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

Abstract

Carotid-cavernous fistulas are vascular shunts that allow blood to flow from the carotid artery into the cavernous sinus. Some fistulas are characterized by a direct connection between the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Other carotid-cavernous fistulas are dural, consisting of a communication between the cavernous sinus and one or more meningeal branches of the internal carotid artery, the external carotid artery, or both. Endovascular management is the treatment modality of choice in these cases. We report the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate in a successful transarterial embolization of a dural carotid-cavernous fistula fed by arterial branches of the internal -and mainly- external carotid arteries (Barrow type D).