Direct Carotid-cavernous Fistula Research Articles

Covered stents for the endovascular treatment of a direct carotid cavernous fistula : single center experiences with 10 cases.

ObjectiveCovered stent has been recently reported as an effective alternative treatment for direct carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCFs). The purpose of this study is to describe our experiences with the treatment of DCCF with covered stents and to evaluate whether a covered stent has a potential to be used as the first choice in selected cases.MethodsFrom February 2009 through July 2013, 10 patients underwent covered stent placement for a DCCF occlusion. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsCovered stent placement was performed for five patients primarily as the first choice and in the other five as an alternative option. Access and deployment of a covered stent was successful in all patients (100%) and total occlusion of the fistula was achieved in nine (90%). Complete occlusion immediately after the procedure was obtained in five patients (50%). Endoleak persisted in five patients and the fistulae were found to be completely occluded by one month control angiography in four. The other patient underwent additional coil embolization by a transvenous approach. Balloon inflation-related arterial dissection during the procedure was noted in two cases; healing was noted at follow-up angiography. One patient suffered an asymptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion noted seven months post-treatment.ConclusionAlthough endoleak is currently a common roadblock, our experience demonstrates that a covered stent has the potential to be used as the first choice in DCCF; this potential is likely to increase as experience with this device accumulates and the materials continue to improve.

Clinical value of Dyna CT in evaluating direct carotid-cavernous fistula

Clinical value of Dyna CT in evaluating direct carotid-cavernous fistula

Transvenous approach for the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula following Pipeline embolization of cavernous carotid aneurysm: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Flow diverters are increasingly used for the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. A rare complication from flow diversion is delayed aneurysm rupture, which can lead to carotid–cavernous fistula (CCF) in...

Endovascular treatment of the carotid-cavernous vascular lesions

Introduction: The treatment of lesions which compromise the cavernous sinus has always constituted a challenge. The endovascular treatment of these lesions has presented diverse alterations over the last years. This study aims to evaluate the endovascular treatment of vascular lesions in the internal carotid artery (ICA), cavernous segment, performed at our service. Method: This is a descriptive study, retrospective and prospective. Patients with aneurysm in the cavernous ICA or direct carotid-cavernous fistula (dCCF) submitted to endovascular treatment were evaluated. Results: Included were 26 patients with intracavernous aneurysms and 10 with dCCF. All aneurysms were treated with ICA occlusion. The dCCF were treated with occlusion of the ICA in seven cases and with selective fistula occlusion in the remaining three. There was an improvement in pain and ocular proptosis in all patients with dCCF. In the patients with intracavernous aneurysms, the incidence of retroorbitary pain went from 84.6% to a mere 30.8%, following the treatment. Following endovascular treatment, there was an important improvement in the dysfunction of cranial nerves, compromised in both patient groups, mainly in the oculomotor nerve. Conclusion: The endovascular treatment provided an improvement in the patients of this study, especially in the criteria pain and oculomotor nerve dysfunction.

P-026 Endovascular Treatment as a Resolutive Method of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas with Detachable Balloons

IntroductionThe cavernous sinus (CS) is a complex structure that has been studied since decades. An abnormal communication between the Carotid Artery and the CS is known as Carotid-Cavernous Fistula (CCF)...

E-033 Treatment of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas with a Double Lumen Balloon

IntroductionTreatment of direct high-flow carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas (CCF) can be challenging. Treatment of CCFs with dual lumen balloons has not been described.PurposeTo describe two cases in which the CCF was...

Fistules carotido-caverneuses : corrélation anatomo-clinique

Depending upon the type of communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, two types of carotid-cavernous fistulae can be distinguished: direct carotid-cavernous fistula (DCCF), for which diagnosis is usually easy because of the obvious signs of orbital congestion, and indirect carotid-cavernous fistula (ICCF) or dural fistula, with few symptoms, associated with a delay in diagnosis which can alter prognosis for function and even life. The purpose of this study is to determine characteristic signs of both types of CCF and to study their correlation with the anatomical type of vessels involved on the angiogram. The prognosis for both types of fistula was also studied. Retrospective single-center study, including patients with angiographically confirmed DCCF or ICCF. Demographic, clinical, and prognostic characteristics of these patients were analyzed and compared with the angiogram findings. Six patients (4 DCCF and 2 ICCF) were included in this study. Mean age at diagnosis was 62.7 years in the DCCF group and 62 years in the ICCF group. Mean time until diagnosis was 7 weeks in the DCCF group and 24 weeks in the ICCF group. Signs of orbital congestion were present in 100% of patients with DCCF and absent in all patients in the ICCF group. Mean proptosis was 3.5mm in the DCCF group and 0.5 in the ICCF group. All patients had an audible bruit on auscultation. The location of the bruit was orbital in all patients with DCCF, and pretragal or jugal in 50% of patients with ICCF. ICCF can impact mortality and are often underdiagnosed. The diagnostic delay observed in our study reflects the difficulties which persist in recognizing the clinical signs of this condition. ICCF must be suspected in the case of a history suggestive of CCF, even if the clinical examination appears normal. The presence of a bruit must be carefully sought, not only in the classical orbital location, but also in other facial locations as shown in our study. Our results demonstrate that there is indeed a good correlation between the site of the CCF, the location of the bruit, and the vessels involved.

Quantitative Measurements of Cerebral Circulation in Spontaneously Regressing Traumatic Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula with Velocity-Encoded Magnetic Resonance Imaging

and quantitative evidence for whether endovascular occlusion would remove the shunts connected to extradural venous drainage alone, or further resolve the disturbance of cerebral venous flow. It is not known how cerebral vessels would change in the long-term as a result of obstructing this shunt flow, or how the clinical symptoms are related to the haemodynamic changes in the rare cases of spontaneous regression. The understanding of the pathophysiology of CCF can be enhanced by correlating the clinical symptoms and MRI findings during a long observational period. Velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (VENCMRI) has shown excellent diagnostic accuracy and reliability for the measurement of the flow volumes (FVs) in cerebral vessels [12]. Furthermore, VENC-MRI does not require contrast medium administration or invasive catheterization, and is considered a safe and appropriate followup imaging technique [13]. However, this tool has never been used for quantifying the shunt volume and cerebral circulation related to CCF. A case in which VENC-MRI was used to measure the shunt volume of and FVs in the cerebral vessels in a direct CCF patient is presented herein. The temporal changes during spontaneous regression are demonstrated, and the relationships between the patient’s clinical symptoms and the measured cerebral haemodynamics are discussed.

Extensive basal ganglia edema caused by a traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula: a rare presentation related to a basal vein of Rosenthal anatomical variation

The authors report a very rare presentation of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) with extensive edema of the basal ganglia and brainstem because of an anatomical variation of the basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR). A 45-year-old woman was admitted to the authors' institution for left hemiparesis, dysarthria, and a comatose state caused by right orbital trauma from a thin metal rod. Brain MRI showed a right CCF and vasogenic edema of the right side of the brainstem, right temporal lobe, and basal ganglia. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed a high-flow direct CCF and revealed a hypoplastic second segment of the BVR responsible for the hypertension in inferior striate veins and venous congestion. Endovascular treatment was performed on an emergency basis. One month after treatment, the patient's symptoms and MRI signal abnormalities almost totally disappeared. Basal ganglia and brainstem venous congestion may occur in traumatic CCF in cases of a hypoplastic or agenetic second segment of the BVR and may provoke emergency treatment.

Endovascular repair of direct carotid–cavernous fistula in Ehlers–Danlos type IV

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV is a collagen vascular disease with an autosomal dominant inheritance caused by COL3A1 mutation. Patients with EDS type IV can present with organ rupture, spontaneous...

Temporary cranial nerve paralysis due to carotid cavernous fistula

Yard. Doc. Dr. Halil Huseyin Cagatay, Kars, Turkiye Tel. 0474 225 11 91 Email. drhhcgty@gmail.com Gelis Tarihi: 07.01.2014 • Kabul Tarihi: 27.03.2014 ABSTRACT Carotid cavernous fi stulas are abnormal vascular shunts between the carotid artery system and the cavernous sinus, which may result in life threatening conditions. Carotid cavernous fi stulas are usually classifi ed as direct or indirect. The etiologies of direct carotid cavernous fi stulas are frequently trauma, ruptured cavernous carotid artery aneurysm, arterial dissection or iatrogenic causes. Endovascular treatment techniques are the fi rst choice for treatment. Embolization of a direct carotid cavernous fi stula by transarterial balloon detachment is a well-known treatment procedure. Herein, we present a case of carotid cavernous fi stula and discuss its etiology, diagnosis, potential complications and treatment choices in the light of the current literature.

Single intravitreal ranibizumab injection for optic disc neovascularisation due to possibly traumatic, direct carotid cavernous fistula

We report a patient with optic disc neovasculariation due to possibly traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula treated by a single dose of intravitreal ranibizumab prior to neurointervention. A 25‐year‐old man had a 10‐month history of bilateral proptosis and left sixth nerve paralysis was evaluated. Conjunctival vessels were markedly dilated, especially in the left eye. Clinical examination and fundus fluorescein angiography revealed disc neovascularisation in the left eye with subtle peripheral retinal ischaemia. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a high‐flow carotid cavernous fistula on the left side and this was confirmed by catheter angiography. A single dose of intravitreal ranibizumab was injected prior to neuro‐intervention. The disc neovascularisation regressed completely three days later. The left direct carotid cavernous fistula was later treated successfully with coil embolisation. Optic disc neovascularisation is a very rare feature of carotid cavernous fistula and intravitreal ranibizumab may be a useful therapeutic adjunct prior to neuro‐interventional techniques to reduce neovascularisation‐induced haemorrhage following the intervention.

Direct traumatic carotid cavernous fistula: angiographic classification and treatment strategies. Study of 172 cases.

We report our experience in treatment of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) via endovascular intervention. We hereof recommend an additional classification system for type A CCF and suggest respective treatment strategies. Only type A CCF patients (Barrow's classification) would be recruited for the study. Based on the angiographic characteristics of the CCF, we classified type A CCF into three subtypes including small size, medium size and large size fistula depending on whether there was presence of the anterior carotid artery (ACA) and/or middle carotid artery (MCA). Angiograms with opacification of both ACA and MCA were categorized as small size fistula. Angiograms with opacification of either ACA or MCA were categorized as medium size fistula and those without opacification of neither ACA nor MCA were classified as large size fiatula. After the confirm angiogram, endovascular embolization would be performed impromptu using detachable balloon, coils or both. All cases were followed up for complication and effect after the embolization. A total of 172 direct traumatic CCF patients were enrolled. The small size fistula was accountant for 12.8% (22 cases), medium size 35.5% (61 cases) and large size fistula accountant for 51.7% (89 cases). The successful rate of fistula occlusion under endovascular embolization was 94% with preservation of the carotid artery in 70%. For the treatment of each subtype, a total of 21/22 cases of the small size fistulas were successfully treated using coils alone. The other single case of small fistula was defaulted. Most of the medium and large size fistulas were cured using detachable balloons. When the fistula sealing could not be obtained using detachable balloon, coils were added to affirm the embolization of the cavernous sinus via venous access. There were about 2.9% of patient experienced direct carotid artery puncture and 0.6% puncture after carotid artery cut-down exposure. About 30% of cases experienced sacrifice of the parent vessels and it was associated with sizes of the fistula. Total severe complication was about 2.4% which included 1 death (0.6%) due to vagal shock; 1 transient hemiparesis post-sacrifice occlusion of the carotid artery but the patient had recovered after 3 months; 1 acute thrombus embolism and the patient was completely saved with recombinant tissue plaminogen activator (rTPA); 1 balloon dislodgement then got stuck at the anterior communicating artery but the patient was asymptomatic. Endovascular intervention as the treatment of direct traumatic CCF had high cure rate and low complication with its ability to preserve the carotid artery. It also can supply flexible accesses to the fistulous site with various alternative embolic materials. The new classification of type A CCF based on angiographic features was helpful for planning for the embolization. Coil should be considered as the first embolic material for small size fistula meanwhile detachable balloons was suggested as the first-choice embolic agent for the medium and large size fistula.

Imaging diagnosis of dural and direct cavernous carotid fistulae.

Arteriovenous fistulae of the cavernous sinus are rare and difficult to diagnose. They are classified into dural cavernous sinus fistulae or direct carotid-cavernous fistulae. Despite the similarity of symptoms between both types, a precise diagnosis is essential since the treatment is specific for each type of fistula. Imaging findings are remarkably similar in both dural cavernous sinus fistulae and carotid-cavernous fistulae, but it is possible to differentiate one type from the other. Amongst the available imaging methods (Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography), angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae. The present essay is aimed at didactically presenting the classification and imaging findings of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae.

Direct Post-traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula Treated by Endovascular Intervention

The Carotid-Cavernous Direct Fistula (CCF) is a high-flow injury resulting from the wall laceration of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and its subsequent communication with the cavernous sinus [1]. The vast majority of direct CCF is traumatic but direct posttraumatic CCF represents a rare entity, occurring in only 0.17 to 1.01% of all Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) [1,2]. Clinical presentation may involve impairment of cranial nerves III, IV, V and VI, causing paralysis on the extrinsic eye movement and diplopia, besides the emergence of headache, retro-orbital pain, chemosis and proptosis and even intracranial hemorrhage [2].

Transvenous Embolization for Carotid-Cavernous Fistula in a Patient with Vascular Type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—Direct Superior Ophthalmic Vein Approach: Case Report

The vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by connective tissue fragility throughout the body, including the arteries, viscera, and gastrointestinal tract. We report a case in which we performed transvenous embolization (TVE) via direct superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) approach to treat a direct carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). The patient was a 37-year-old woman who developed tinnitus in her left ear and a headache during examination in the outpatient clinic of another hospital in order to make a definitive diagnosis of vEDS, and she was referred to our hospital and examined. Based on the results of all of the studies she was diagnosed with a CCF. Conservative treatment was attempted, but was not very effective. Because of progressing aphasia, TVE was performed via the SOV direct cut. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. It has been reported that cerebral angiography is generally contraindicated in vEDS and that the morbimortality associated with endovascular treatment is very high. When performing treatment it is necessary to be sufficiently aware of the risks it entails.

Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging in Carotido-Cavernous Fistulas

This study determined the utility and accuracy of susceptibility-weighted MRI (SWI) for the detection of carotid cavernous fistulas. We retrospectively compared SWI images in nine patients (Group 1, case group) of DSA-proved carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) and 19 DSA negative cases for CCF as a control group (Group 2). Group 1 was again sub-grouped into direct and indirect types. Using uniform region-of-interest measurements, signal intensity within the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) were measured on magnitude images of SWI. The SOV/SSS signal intensity ratio was calculated in each case and the mean values of the two groups were compared. Eleven SOV/SSS signal intensity ratios in Group 1 (7 unilateral and two bilateral CCF), 38 in Group 2 (both sides in 19 control subjects) were included. Median ± interquartile range of SOV/SSS ratios for Group 1, Group 2, indirect and direct type CCFs were 1.07 ± 0.43, 0.39 ± 0.23, 0.83 ±0.29, 1.4 ±0.38 respectively. Mann-Whitney test between Groups 1 and 2 was statistically significant with P<0.0001. All cases and controls were reliably distinguished with SOV/SSS signal intensity ratio of 0.64 as cut-off. Direct CCF cases had consistently higher ratios than indirect CCF. SWI was highly sensitive for detection and differentiation of both direct and indirect CCF. Only one case of corticovenous reflux was missed by SWI. SWI is useful for detection of CCF and to differentiate between direct and indirect CCF.

Abnormal pattern visual evoked response in carotid-cavernous fistula

Abnormal pattern visual evoked response in carotid-cavernous fistula

Endovascular Treatment of Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula with Balloon-Assisted Sinus Coiling

This study aimed to propose an alternative treatment for carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) using the balloon-assisted sinus coiling (BASC) technique and to describe this procedure in detail. Under general anesthesia, we performed the BASC procedure to treat five patients with traumatic CCF. Percutaneous access was obtained via the right femoral artery, and a 7F sheath was inserted, or alternatively, a bifemoral 6F approach was accomplished. A microcatheter was inserted into the cavernous sinus over a 0.014-inch microwire through the fistulous point; the microcatheter was placed distal from the fistula point, and a "U-turn" maneuver was performed. Through the same carotid access, a compliant balloon was advanced to cross the point of the fistula and cover the whole carotid tear. Large coils were inserted using the microcatheter in the cavernous sinus. Coils filled the adjacent cavernous sinus, respecting the balloon. Immediate complete angiographic resolution was achieved, and an early angiographic control (mean = 2.6 months) indicated complete stability without recanalization. The clinical follow-up has been uneventful without any recurrence (mean = 15.2 months). An endovascular approach is optimal for direct CCF. Because the detachable balloon has been withdrawn from the market, covered stenting requires antiplatelet therapy and its patency is unconfirmed, but cavernous sinus coiling remains an excellent treatment option. Currently, there is no detailed description of the BASC procedure. We provide detailed angiograms with suitable descriptions of the exact fistula point, and venous drainage pathways. Familiarity with these devices makes this technique effective, easy and safe.

Ocular Manifestations and the Clinical Course of Carotid Cavernous Sinus Fistulas in Asian Patients

Purpose: To study the clinical course with regard to both the angiographic and visual outcomes of carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs).Background: Carotid cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) are conditions which often present with ocular signs and symptoms. The clinical presentation of CCFs is varied according to the anatomy, haemodynamics and size of the CCF. CCFs causing significant symptoms or vision loss should be treated with embolization.Methods: This is a retrospective review of the medical records of all CCF cases seen in the Singapore National Eye Centre from September 2002 to December 2011.Results: 45 patients who had confirmed CCF on conventional cerebral angiography were included. Anterior draining CCFs presented with orbital congestion while posterior draining CCFs presented with pain, diplopia and cranial nerve palsies. Mild residual symptoms were still present in 85% of treated direct CCFs despite complete angiographic closure however 52% of treated dural CCFs had complete resolution of symptoms despite only half of those achieving angiographic closure. Treated and untreated dural CCFs had similar outcomes (87% versus 76% recovered or improved (p > 0.05)). Poor outcomes can result from residual diplopia or vision loss from complications of the CCF itself (e.g. compressive optic neuropathy, glaucoma, retinopathy) or complications from CCF embolization treatment (e.g. central retinal artery occlusion).Conclusion: Presenting symptoms and signs are related to the angiographic drainage of CCFs. Angiographic outcomes after embolization treatment may not always correlate with clinical outcomes.