Direct Carotid-cavernous Fistula Research Articles

Identification of a de novo Case of COL3A1-Related Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a Young Woman Presenting With Spontaneous Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula.

Identification of a de novo Case of COL3A1-Related Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a Young Woman Presenting With Spontaneous Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula.

Delayed Rupture of a Cavernous Carotid Aneurysm After Flow Diversion Resulting in Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula Treated With Transvenous Embolization: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Delayed Rupture of a Cavernous Carotid Aneurysm After Flow Diversion Resulting in Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula Treated With Transvenous Embolization: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Cavernous Carotid Aneurysm Presenting as Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula with Contralateral Ocular Symptoms: A Rare Case Report

ABSTRACT Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) resulting from intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms is uncommon. However, if rupture does occur, it can lead to a CCF, which causes sudden onset of unilateral ophthalmoplegia. In this report, we present a case of a ruptured giant intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm leading to a direct CCF with contralateral ocular features. The aim is to discuss the distinctiveness of this case and the most challenging aspects of identifying similar cases. A woman in her sixties developed a sudden direct CCF, resulting in proptosis in the opposite eye. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed that the left cavernous sinus (CS) and superior ophthalmic vein were dilated, whereas the right side was unaffected. However, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a large aneurysm in the right cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) and a direct connection between the right ICA and CS, with venous drainage exclusively occurring in the opposite direction via the intercavernous sinus. To address the issue, the aneurysm and fistula underwent Coil and Onyx embolisation, successfully closing the fistula and leading to a regression in the orbital symptom. This presents a unique scenario of an unexpected unilateral CCF with contralateral symptoms in a direct CCF, which demands immediate attention. It is crucial to remain alert for CCF and verify the diagnosis through DSA when dealing with such patients to avoid severe outcomes. Prompt identification and intervention can enhance the patient’s chances of a positive outcome.

Patch Technique for Primary Treatment of Type A Carotid Cavernous Fistula: A Case Series and Technical Notes.

The utilization of flow diverters (FDs) in the treatment of high-flow Type A carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) has been described before mainly as an adjunct to the traditional endovascular techniques and rarely as a stand-alone treatment. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated our experience with FDs as the solo nonadjunctive treatment of Type A CCF with severe cortical venous reflux (CVR). A retrospective review was performed of patients with Type A CCFs who were treated using FDs' patch technique (PT). Patients' demographics, clinical data, and preoperative and postoperative ocular examination were recorded. The procedure technique, pipeline embolization device (PED) diameters, and immediate and late procedure outcomes were described. Three patients were included in this case series. All patients had history of trauma and presented with decreased visual acuity, cranial nerve II deficit, limited extraocular muscles' movement, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Diagnostic angiography was performed, which confirmed high-flow Type A CCF. Endovascular treatment was performed through distal radial access in 2 patients and femoral access in 1 patient by deploying 4 sequentially enlarging PEDs with immediate resolution of the ocular symptoms. Follow-up angiography confirmed complete resolution of CCF in 2 patients. One patient was lost to follow-up; however, angiogram at 4 months demonstrated residual small CCF with significant improvement from postprocedure angiogram. The patch technique using sequentially enlarging FDs is a reasonable alternative solo technique for the treatment of direct CCF symptoms and results in immediate resolution of CVR while preserving the cavernous sinus anatomy.

Teaching Neuro Images : Reversible pontomesencephalic edema caused by traumatic carotid cavernous fistula

A 45-year-old man presented with a painful bulging right eye and blindness 6 weeks after a motorcycle accident and traumatic brain injury. He had a complete right oculomotor nerve palsy and only perception of light. MRI revealed ipsilateral pontomesencephalic edema (figure, A and B). Catheter angiography showed a direct right carotid-cavernous fistula (figure, C). Two months after coil embolization, the ptosis, proptosis and ophthalmoplegia resolved. MRI revealed resolution of pontomesencephalic edema (figure, D). The presumed mechanism was transmission of arterialized pressures of the cavernous sinus via a bridging vein to the anterior pontomesencephalic vein, generating venous hypertension and vasogenic edema.1,2

Features of differential diagnosis of direct carotid-cavernous fistula. Clinical case

Traumatic brain injury can cause various pathological conditions both in the eyeball and in the cranial cavity. The presented clinical case demonstrates the features of differential diagnosis of direct carotid-cavernous fistula and secondary post-traumatic glaucoma. Direct carotid-cavernous fistula is the formation of a communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus and the discharge of arterial blood into it. The first symptom of a carotid-cavernous fistula is a pulsating noise in the head and above the eye. The manifest signs in the clinical picture are the signs of obstruction of venous outflow from the eye and the orbit: proptosis, eyelid edema and chemosis, congestive redness of the eye, varicose subcutaneous veins of the eyelids, as well as dilated ophthalmic vein visualized by ultrasound of the orbit, ophthalmic hypertension, oculomotor disorders, state of the fundus. The clinical picture in patients with secondary post-traumatic contusion glaucoma, in addition to an increase in intraocular pressure, is characterized by the presence of a congestive redness of the eye, changes in the cornea from mild superficial opacities to more dense ones, luxation or subluxation of the lens into the anterior chamber or vitreous, destruction of the vitreous or intraocular hemorrhage. The similarity of clinical manifestations of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula and secondary post-traumatic glaucoma can cause difficulties in differential diagnosis.

Headache, vision changes and cranial nerve palsy after head trauma.

A 43-year-old female was brought to the hospital after a ground level fall and her Glasgow Coma Scale was 15. Non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) scan showed small bilateral subdural hematomas, left traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, left occipital bone and left longitudinal temporal bone fractures. She was managed conservatively. Interval repeat non-contrast head CT scans showed resolution of the hemorrhage. Two and a half months later she presented to the hospital with headaches, intermittent diplopia, blurry vision and a right lateral gaze palsy. Non-contrast head CT scan showed mild hyperattenuation in the cavernous sinus. Subsequently, a CT angiogram of the head was obtained that showed opacification of the bilateral cavernous sinus and distention of the orbital veins (Figure 1A,B). Evaluation with diagnostic cerebral angiogram showed direct bilateral carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) (Figures 2 and 3). She underwent staged embolization of the CCFs. Direct CCF is the abnormal connection between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus.1, 2 CCFs can present with the classic triad of chemosis, pulsatile proptosis and ocular bruit.3, 4 Other symptoms include orbital pain, abducens nerve palsy, deterioration of visual acuity and ophthalmoplegia.4, 5 Causes of CCF formation are traumatic, iatrogenic, connective tissue disorders and spontaneous.2, 6-9 Traumatic CCFs formation occurs in up to 1.25% of patients with traumatic brain injury or facial and skull base fractures.10, 11 Bilateral CCF formation is rare after trauma and symptoms develop in a delayed fashion.10-15 Treatment options include conservative management, open surgery, endovascular procedures and radiosurgery.16-18

Direct and Dural Carotid Cavernous Sinus Fistulas: Comparison of Clinical Characteristics.

To compare the clinical characteristics of patients with direct and dural carotid cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs). The medical records of 60 patients diagnosed with CCFs were retrospectively reviewed. The collected data included demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and ocular manifestation. The clinical characteristics of the direct and the dural CCFs were compared on head-to-head basis. Logistic regression analysis was used to demonstrate the direction and magnitude of the difference and reported as odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. There were 28 patients (46.67%) with direct CCFs, and 32 patients (53.33%) with dural CCFs. Patients with direct CCF were mostly male (p=0.023), younger age (p<0.001), had history of trauma (p<0.001), and more visual impairment at presentation (p=0.025), when compared to those with dural CCFs. In addition, patients with direct CCF had significantly more chemosis (p=0.005), proptosis (p=0.042), bruit (p<0.001) and dilated retinal vessels (p=0.008) than those with dural CCF. Thirty patients (50%) had increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Mean IOP of the affected eyes was significantly higher than the unaffected eyes (p<0.0001). In patients with normal IOP, mean IOP of the affected eyes was also higher than the unaffected eyes (p=0.0027). Patients with direct CCF were younger age, associated with trauma, and more visual impairment at presentation. Chemosis, proptosis, bruit and dilated retinal vessels were detected more in the direct CCF than the dural CCF. Despite normal IOP, affected eyes had significantly higher IOP than the unaffected eyes. Information on these clinical characteristics may be helpful in discrimination of the direct type, which is more urgent for further investigation and treatment.

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

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.

Transvenous embolization of the direct carotid-cavernous fistula via the pterygoid plexus: illustrative case.

Endovascular treatment is the mainstay of treatment for carotid-cavernous fistulas, but endovascular approaches vary widely. The authors report a rare case of a direct carotid-cavernous fistula with cranial nerve symptoms caused by rupture of a giant aneurysm in which selective transvenous embolization via the pterygoid plexus was performed. An 81-year-old man presented with headache and various progressive cranial nerve symptoms due to a direct carotid-cavernous fistula caused by a ruptured giant aneurysm. All the draining veins visualized on preoperative examination immediately before the treatment were occluded except for the pterygoid plexus. Therefore, the authors chose the dilated pterygoid plexus to approach the shunted pouch at the cavernous sinus and achieve shunt obliteration by selective embolization with coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Careful study of the three-dimensional rotational images in the preoperative examination is important when considering the various approaches to surgery. The pterygoid plexus can be an effective venous approach route to reach the cavernous sinus area.

Clinical characteristics, angiographic findings and treatment outcomes of carotid cavernous fistula in Makassar, Indonesia: a single-centre experience

BackgroundCarotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal arteriovenous shunt between the carotid artery or its branches, with the cavernous sinus. It is still common in developing countries, and is mostly due to traumatic origin. Endovascular treatment has emerged as the primary mode of treatment of CCF. This is the first study describing the clinical manifestation, angiographic characteristic, and the challenges we face in endovascular treatment of CCF cases in Makassar, Indonesia.ResultsThis descriptive study was conducted between January 2019 to March 2022. We reviewed medical records and angiograms of all patients diagnosed with CCF at the Wahidin General Hospital, Makassar. Clinical manifestations, angiogram results, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed. A total of 23 patients were included in this study, with 17 (73.9%) direct CCF (Barrow type A) and 6 (26.1%) indirect CCF (Barrow type B, C, D). The mean age of patients were 32 years old. The three most common clinical manifestations were proptosis (n = 21, 91.3%), headache (n = 14, 60.8%), and chemosis (n = 14, 60.8%). The three most common drainage routes were via the superior ophthalmic vein (n = 23, 100%), inferior petrosal sinus (n = 12, 52.1%), and superficial middle cerebral vein (n = 6, 26.0%). All patients with direct CCF (n = 17) had endovascular treatment, resulting in 13 cases with complete occlusion (76.5%), 3 cases with incomplete occlusion (17.6%), and 1 (5.9%) procedure cancelled due to difficult navigation. Occlusion of fistula was best achieved with detachable coil, with a technical success rate of 90%. In indirect CCF (n = 6), 4 patients were treated conservatively and 2 with endovascular treatment, with complete occlusion in 2 patients.ConclusionsCarotid cavernous fistula patients commonly presented with orbital symptoms, headache, or neuro-ophthalmologic signs. The most common drainage pattern is via anterior route. Posterior, superior and lateral drainage were not found in indirect CCF. Endovascular treatment is an effective method for fistula closure, especially in the case of direct fistula. Challenges in endovascular treatment are related to the anatomy of the fistula and cavernous sinus.

Covered stent delivery in tortuous internal carotid artery for treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula

Direct carotid cavernous fistulas (dCCF) are high-flow shunts between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and cavernous sinus and are commonly caused by traumatic injuries. Endovascular intervention using detachable coils, with or without stenting, is often the treatment of choice; however, migration or compaction of the coils can occur due to high-flow nature of dCCFs. Alternatively, deployment of a covered stent in ICA can be considered for treatment of dCCFs. We report a case of dCCF with tortuous intracranial ICA successfully treated by placement of a covered stent graft and we will illustrate the technical aspects of the procedure. In the presence of a tortuous ICA navigation and deployment of covered stents is technically complicated and requires modified maneuvers. Las fístulas carótidas cavernosas directas (dCCF) son derivaciones de alto flujo entre la arteria carótida interna (ACI) y el seno cavernoso y suelen ser causadas por lesiones traumáticas. La intervención intravascular con espirales desmontables, con o sin stent, suele ser el tratamiento de elección; sin embargo, la migración o compactación de las bobinas puede ocurrir debido a la naturaleza de alto flujo de los dCCF. Alternativamente, se puede considerar el despliegue de un stent cubierto en la ACI para el tratamiento de dCCF. Presentamos un caso de dCCF con ACI intracraneal tortuosa tratada con éxito mediante la colocación de una endoprótesis cubierta e ilustraremos los aspectos técnicos del procedimiento. En presencia de una ACI tortuosa, la navegación y el despliegue de los stents cubiertos es técnicamente complicado y requiere maniobras modificadas.

Flow diversion for indirect carotid-cavernous fistula: Still an off-label indication?

Flow diversion (FD) is an established treatment for large or giant wide-necked unruptured intracranial aneurysms. In the past few years, the use of flow diverter devices was extended to several other "off-label" indications, including solitary or adjunctive treatment to coil embolization for direct (Barrow A type) carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs). The use of liquid embolic agents still represents the first-line treatment for indirect CCFs. Typically, the ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus or superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is the preferred transvenous routes to access CCFs. In some cases, vessel tortuosity or different features make the endovascular access challenging, thus requiring different approaches and strategies. The aim of the study is to discuss rational and technical aspect in treating indirect CCFs referring to the most up-to-date literature. An alternative experience-based endovascular strategy with FD is described. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman diagnosed with indirect CCF and treated with flow diverter stent. After multiple unsuccessful attempts at transarterial right SOV catheterization, a right indirect CCF fed by a single trunk at the ophthalmic origin from the internal carotid artery (ICA) was treated by ICA stand-alone FD. Blood flow was redirect and successfully reduced through the fistula, with immediately postprocedure improvement of the patient's clinical status (ipsilateral proptosis and chemosis). Ten-months radiological follow-up showed the complete obliteration of the fistula. No adjunctive endovascular treatment was performed. FD appears a reasonable alternative stand-alone endovascular strategy also for selected difficult-to-access indirect CCFs, when all conventional routes are judged unfeasible. Further investigations will be necessary to better define and support this potential lesson-learned application.

SPONTANEOUS OCCLUSION OF THE CAROTID-CAVERNOUS FISTULAS. CASE SERIES AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) is a pathological connection between the arteries and the cavernous sinus, which can be direct or indirect (dural). Direct CCS are characterized by the presence of a direct fistula between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, while indirect (low-flow) CCS are the result of a pathological connection between the branches of the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. For more than a century (from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century), clinical manifestations and surgical methods of treatment of CCF were discussed. The treatment of patients with indirect shunts and minimal clinical manifestations is not well defined, especially in case where endovascular embolization is associated with technical difficulties considering device selection and difficulties in access to the fistulas, both transarterial and transvenous. Few articles has been studied the tendency of spontaneous occlusion of the CCF ‒ a natural process of recovery. The study of the tendency of the CCS to spontaneous occlusion is promising for optimizing the treatment of this specific group of patients and improving the results of their treatment.Objective ‒ to analyze the cases of spontaneous occlusion of the CCF and data from the literature for optimizing the management of patients with this pathology.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the database of 63 patients with a diagnosis of CCF confirmed by angiography who were treated at the SO «Scientific-Practical Center of Endovascular Neuroradiology NAMS of Ukraine» during the period from 2014 to 2022, was conducted. There were 67 (in 4 patients they were bilateral) patients with CCF. In 7 (11.1 %) cases, their spontaneous occlusion was detected, which was confirmed with follow-up examinations.Results. Among 7 patients with documented spontaneous CCS occlusion, 2 were male and 5 were female. The average age of patients was (56.31 ± 10.39) years. In all cases, CCF were unilateral, dural, low-flow, and occlusion occurred within 3 – 4 months after the manifestation (appearance of clinical symptoms). In 2 (28.6 %) cases, CCF occurred as a result of trauma, in 5 (71.4 %) ‒ they were spontaneous. In 3 (42.8 %) patients, the occlusion occurred before the planned endovascular embolization. In 1 (14.3 %) case, the endovascular treatment was technically unsuccessful, but the CCF regressed after 4 months, which was confirmed by control cerebral angiography. Three (42.8 %) patients refused the procedure and received conservative treatment. Ocular manifestations of the CCF prevailed in all patients (conjunctival injection ‒ in 7 (100 %), diplopia ‒ in 5 (71.4 %), proptosis ‒ in 4 (57.1 %), retro-orbital pain ‒ in 3 (42.8 %), visual impairment in 1 (14.3%). Five (71.4 %) patients complained of headache, 1 (14.3 %) ‒ tinnitus. In 2 (28.6 %) patients spontaneous occlusion was accompanied by an increase in clinical symptoms and their subsequent regression, in 5 (71.4 %) patients there ware a clinical improvement (in 2 (28.6 %) ‒ gradual over several months).Conclusions. Spontaneous occlusion of direct CCF is rare. In order to determine clear predictors regarding the prognosis of this disease and indications for surgical treatment or observation, it is necessary to compare angiographic features, clinical features, and manifestations of the disease.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Clinico-radiological features of direct carotid-cavernous fistula

Clinico-radiological features of direct carotid-cavernous fistula

Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment of Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistulas: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Direct carotid cavernous fistulas (dCCF) involve pathologic shunting from the internal carotid artery into the cavernous sinus. We systematically reviewed the methods and outcomes of endovascular therapy for dCCF. PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE were used to identify studies that reported outcomes for patients undergoing embolization of dCCF. Outcomes included rates of occlusion, complications, symptom improvement, and recurrence. Pooled rates for each outcome were obtained with random effects models. The influence of embolization method on outcomes was assessed with meta-regressions. There were 16 studies comprising 270 patients. The mean age was 39.6years, there were 36.3% females, and the mean follow-up was 19.7months. Coils were the most common method of embolization (69.3%), followed by Onyx (31.1%), covered stent (22.2%), N-butyl cyanoacrylate (6.7%), and flow diversion (4.8%). The pooled overall occlusion rate was 92.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.3-95.6; I2=29.2%). The pooled complication rate was 10.9% (95% CI, 7.3-16; I2=0%). Use of coils were associated with a slightly lower odds of overall complications (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99) and cranial nerve palsy (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). The pooled fistula recurrence rate was 8.3% (95% CI, 4.3-15.4; I2=30.9%). Endovascular therapy for dCCF is associated with high occlusion and low complication rates. Recurrence is not uncommon, highlighting the need for close follow-up.

Flow diversion in direct carotid-cavernous fistula refractory to multiple coil embolizations: case report and review of the literature

ObjectivesDirect carotid-cavernous fistulas are high-flow abnormal connections between the carotid artery and cavernous sinus, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. In addition to endovascular coil embolization, there is an evolving role for alternative stand-alone or adjunctive treatment approaches. We describe a case of flow diversion as an adjunctive treatment approach in a treatment-resistant direct carotid-cavernous fistula and review the literature on the use of flow diversion in this clinical context. Materials and methodsWe describe the clinical course, imaging findings, and outcome of a patient who developed a traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula requiring multiple interventions. We also performed an updated literature review of all published cases of flow diversion use in the treatment of direct CCFs. ResultsOur patient achieved angiographic cure and significant improvement in symptoms at 6-month follow-up. A total of 53 cases of flow diversion use in direct carotid-cavernous fistulas were identified from a literature search. In one third of cases, flow diversion was used as a stand-alone treatment modality. Angiographic resolution was achieved in 90% of cases at a median follow-up duration of 6 months. One half of reported cases had complete resolution of symptoms and a further third noted clinical improvement in at least some of their symptoms. ConclusionsThere is an emerging role for flow diversion as a safe and effective stand-alone or adjunctive treatment option for direct carotid-cavernous fistulas. Our case further supports a role for flow diversion in treatment-resistant fistulas with high-risk features. As treatment approaches continue to evolve, prospective, randomized data will be needed to establish the role of flow divertors in the hierarchy of available treatments for carotid-cavernous fistulas.

EC-IC Bypass: “Learning Curve” Experiences of Initial 100 Bypasses in Bangladesh

Abstract Objectives Extracranial to intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is an important part of the armamentarium of a neurosurgeon in managing different vascular and neoplastic pathologies. Here, we report our initial experiences of EC-IC bypasses as experiences in the ‘learning curve’, including preparation and training of the surgeon, getting cases, patient selection, imaging, operative skills and microtechniques, complications, follow-up, and outcome. Lessons learned from the ‘learning curve experiences’ can be very useful for young vascular neurosurgeons who are going to start EC-IC bypass or have already started to perform and find themselves in the learning curve. Methods From July 2009 to September 2018, 100 EC-IC bypasses were performed. We looked back to these cases of EC-IC bypass as our initial or ‘learning curve’ experiences. The recorded data of patient management (EC-IC bypass patient) were reviewed retrogradely. Our preparation for EC-IC bypass was described briefly. Case selection, indications, preparation of the patient for operation, techniques and technical experiences, preoperative difficulties and challenges, postoperative follow-up, complications, patency status of the bypass, and ultimate results were reviewed and studied. Result A total of 100 bypasses were performed in 83 patients, of which 43 were male and 40 were female. The age range was from 04 to 72 years old (average 32 years old). Eleven patients were lost to follow-up postoperatively after 3 months and they were not even available for telephone follow-up. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 120 months (average of18.4 months). Eight bypasses were high flow bypasses, whereas the number of low flow STA-MCA bypasses was 92. Indication of bypass were (in 83 cases):1. Arterial stenosis/occlusion/dissection causing cerebral ischemia (middle cerebral artery [MCA] stenosis/occlusion-05, MCA dissection-04, internal carotid artery [ICA] occlusion-19); 2. Intracranial aneurysm-30; 3. Moya-Moya disease-21; and 4. Direct carotid cavernous fistula [CCF]-04. Common clinical presentation was hemiparesis &amp; dysphasia in ischemic group with history of transient ischemic attack (H/O TIA) (including Moya Moya disease). Features of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were the presenting symptoms in intracranial aneurysm group. The average ischemic time, due to clamping of recipient artery, was 28 minutes (range: 20–60 minutes). There was no clamp-related infarction. Two anastomoses were found thrombosed intraoperatively.One preoperatively ambulant patient deteriorated neurologically in the postoperative period. She developed hemiplegia but improved later. Here, the cause seemed to be hyperperfusion. Headache resolved in all cases. TIA and seizures were also gone postoperatively. Ophthalmoplegia recovered in all cases in which it was present, except in one CCF, in which abducent nerve palsy persisted. Complete unilateral total blindness developed in one patient postoperatively (due to ophthalmic artery occlusion), where high flow bypass with ICA occlusion were performed. Red eye and proptosis were cured in CCF cases. Motor and sensory dysphasia improved in all cases in which it was present, except for one case in which preoperative global aphasia converted to sensory aphasia in the postoperative period. Three patients died in the postoperative period. The rest of the patients improved postoperatively. All patients were ambulant with static neurostatus and without new stroke/TIA until the last follow-up. All bypasses were patent until the last follow-up. Conclusion The initial experiences of 100 cases of EC-IC bypass revealed even in inexperienced hand mortality and morbidity in properly indicated cases were low and result were impressive according to the pathological group and aim of bypass. Lessons learned from these experiences can be very helpful for new and beginner bypass neurosurgeons

Atypical Presentation of Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula

An atypical case of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is presented which was challenging to diagnose even with investigations. A 50-year old female, presented with complaints of increasing chemosis, diplopia and proptosis of her right eye following a fall from stairs. Her IOP was 32 mm Hg in right and 18 in left eye. Absence of other classic clinical signs like bruit/thrill of carotid cavernous fistula led to difficulty in diagnosing. There was absence of radiological evidence like enlargement of superior ophthalmic vein on MRI, MRV and MRA. We started symptomatic treatment for increased IOP and exposure keratopathy. Right sided CCF diagnosis was confirmed on CT angiogram and Digital Subtraction Angiography. Coil embolization was done which resulted in symptomatic and clinical relief. Carotid cavernous fistula with absence of typical signs is sometimes challenging to diagnose and treat. Importance of Digital Subtraction Study and CT Angiogram is highlighted.

Use of a Balloon Catheter for Occlusion of Iatrogenic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula Occurring during a Neurointerventional Procedure

Neurointerventional procedures involving the anterior circulation, including aneurysm coiling, mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and intracranial angioplasty, can result in rare life-threatening complications such as iatrogenic carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Here, we describe the successful use of a balloon catheter for the occlusion of an iatrogenic CCF during neurointerventional procedures in a 78-year-old woman. The patient underwent successful MT for right middle cerebral artery occlusion; however, her symptoms worsened the day after the procedure; therefore, intracranial stenting was planned. An iatrogenic CCF that occurred during the neurointerventional procedure was successfully occluded using a balloon catheter. Neurointerventionalists should be aware of iatrogenic CCFs and be prepared to treat this rare complication. The double-lumen balloon catheter may be a useful tool for the transarterial treatment of iatrogenic CCFs.