Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Research Articles

Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the hypoglossal canal: systematic review on imaging anatomy, clinical findings, and endovascular management.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the hypoglossal canal (HCDAVFs) are rare and display a complex angiographic anatomy. Hitherto, they have been referred to as various entities (for example, "marginal sinus DAVFs") solely described in case reports or small series. In this in-depth review of HCDAVF, the authors describe clinical and imaging findings, as well as treatment strategies and subsequent outcomes, based on a systematic literature review supplemented by their own cases (120 cases total). Further, the involved craniocervical venous anatomy with variable venous anastomoses is summarized. Hypoglossal canal DAVFs consist of a fistulous pouch involving the anterior condylar confluence and/or anterior condylar vein with a variable intraosseous component. Three major types of venous drainage are associated with distinct clinical patterns: Type 1, with anterograde drainage (62.5%), mostly presents with pulsatile tinnitus; Type 2, with retrograde drainage to the cavernous sinus and/or orbital veins (23.3%), is associated with ocular symptoms and may mimic cavernous sinus DAVF; and Type 3, with cortical and/or perimedullary drainage (14.2%), presents with either hemorrhage or cervical myelopathy. For Types 1 and 2 HCDAVF, transvenous embolization demonstrates high safety and efficacy (2.9% morbidity, 92.7% total occlusion). Understanding the complex venous anatomy is crucial for planning alternative approaches if standard transjugular access is impossible. Transarterial embolization or surgical disconnection (morbidity 13.3%-16.7%) should be reserved for Type 3 HCDAVFs or lesions with poor venous access. A conservative strategy could be appropriate in Type 1 HCDAVF for which spontaneous regression (5.8%) may be observed.

Direct access to the middle meningeal artery for embolization of complex dural arteriovenous fistula: a hybrid treatment approach

Endovascular embolization has become increasingly favored over microsurgical resection for treatment of complex dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). However, endovascular treatment can be restricted by tortuous transarterial access and a transvenous...

Anatomical variations in termination of the uncal vein and its clinical implications in cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas.

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to investigate the variations in the uncal vein (UV) termination and its clinical implication in cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSDAVFs).MethodsBiplane cerebral angiography in 80 patients (160 sides) with normal cerebral venous return (normal group) was reviewed with special interest in the termination of the UV. Frequency and types of uncal venous drainage from CSDAVFs in consecutive 26 patients were also analyzed.ResultsIn the normal group, the UV was identified in 118 sides (74 %). The UV terminated into cavernous sinus (CS) in 41 sides (34 %), the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) in 58 sides (48 %), the laterocavernous sinus (LCS) in 15 sides (13 %), and the paracavernous sinus (PCS) in 4 sides (3 %). Cerebral venous blood via the UV draining into the CS directly (n = 41) or through the SMCV and/or the LCS (n = 45) was observed in 86 sides (54 %). Uncal venous drainage from CSDAVFs was found in 13 patients (50 %). The CSDAVFs drained directly into the UV in two patients, drained via LCS into the UV in two patients, and drained through the SMCV into the UV in the remaining nine patients. All cases were successfully treated by transvenous embolization with special attention given to uncal venous drainage.ConclusionThere are several variations in UV termination according to the embryological development of the primitive tentorial sinus and the deep telencephalic vein. Careful attention should be paid to uncal venous drainage for the treatment of CSDAVFs.

A school of red herring

A 66-year-old man with chronic kidney disease presented with painless unilateral vision loss and bilateral optic disk swelling. Vision loss progressed in the affected eye and developed in the fellow eye. Evaluation for infectious, neoplastic, ischemic, and inflammatory disorders was unrevealing. High-dose corticosteroids appeared to stabilize his vision temporarily. Eventually he was diagnosed with papilledema in the setting of transverse venous sinus stenosis and dural arteriovenous fistula. His papilledema resolved, and his vision improved following stenting of the venous sinus stenosis and embolization of the fistula.

Onyx embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas via direct transorbital puncture under the guidance of three-dimensional reconstructed skull image (reports of six cases)

Because of complex angioarchitecture, the transarterial or venous pathway is not feasible for some cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS DAVFs). We present six cases in which onyx embolization of a CS DAVFs was made possible through direct transorbital puncture. In the present study, all patients were penetrated through one third of the medial-lateral of the inferior orbital rim under the guidance of fluoroscopy superimposed on the three-dimensional reconstructed skull image to complete embolization (onyx with or without coils). The records of patient demographics, clinical manifestation, fistula features, procedures, clinical outcome and angiographic outcome were reviewed and analyzed. In our series of six patients, the immediate angiographic result showed complete occlusion in all patients. The six patients experienced retrobulbarhematoma and eye swelling right after embolization, while the swelling significantly subsided after 3-5 days of conservative treatment. During the postoperative angiography and clinical follow-up (4-10 months), one of the patients had decreased visual acuity; the other five patients did not have neurological dysfunction. Onyx embolization via direct transorbital puncture provides a method to be considered to treat CS DAVFs when the conventional transvenous approaches are inaccessible.

A single burr hole approach for direct transverse sinus cannulation for the treatment of a dural arteriovenous fistula

A 55-year-old woman with a symptomatic Borden II/Cognard IIa+b transverse sinus dural arteriovenous fistula underwent an attempted percutaneous transvenous embolization which was ultimately not possible given the fistula anatomy. She...

Ipsilateral Intracranial Edema Associated with Drainage Patterns of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Massive ipsilateral edema in patients with cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is poorly documented. The present study better characterizes this condition through assessment of venous anatomy and potential underlying mechanisms. One hundred and two consecutive patients diagnosed with DAVF and admitted to the Huashan Hospital from 2006 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed for the clinical and radiologic data, and those with ipsilateral edema were recruited. An edema scale was calculated from the locations with edema on magnetic resonance imaging. We created a reflux anatomic venous scale (RAVS, including veins of Labbe, Sylvian, and Troland) based on DSA. Two experienced interventional neuroradiologists independently assessed the images and then reached consensus. The Spearman nonparametric rank correlation was performed to analyze the correlation between edema scale and RAVS. Seven patients (mean 61±13years; 4 men:3 women) with ipsilateral intracranial edema were finally included. DAVF in transverse sinus with reflux flow initially in vein of the Labbe was seen in all patients. Increased edema scale was significantly correlated with increased RAVS (Spearman rho=.856, P=.014). The present study indicated that severeipsilateral edema, with reflux flow initially in vein of the Labbe, was associated with the increased number of reflux anatomic veins in transverse sinus DAVF.

Venous Hypertension as the Cause of Intracranial Hypertension in Patients With Transverse Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

We describe 2 patients with transverse sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) who presented with headache and papilledema due to intracranial hypertension. It has been proposed, but never proven, that venous hypertension causes the intracranial hypertension in DAVF. The data from our patients support this hypothesis. An additional factor leading to intracranial hypertension could be stenosis of the fellow transverse sinus.

Fístulas durales arteriovenosas intracraneales. Experiencia con 81 casos y revisión de la literatura

To analyse the clinical, radiological and therapeutic variables of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) treated at our institution, and to assess the validity of the Borden and Cognard classifications and their correlation with the presenting symptoms. The DAVF identified were retrospectively analysed. They were classified according to their location, drainage pattern and the Borden and Cognard classifications. We recorded the different treatments, their complications and efficacy. There were 81DAVF identified between 1975 and 2012. The cavernous sinus (CS) location was the most frequent one. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed an interobserver Kappa index of 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. The odds ratio of aggressive presentation in the presence of cortical venous drainage (CVD) was 19.3 (2.8-132.4). No location, once adjusted by venous drainage pattern, showed significant association with an aggressive presentation. Endovascular transarterial treatment of cavernous sinus DAVF achieved symptomatic improvement of 78%, with a complication rate of 5%. The DAVF of non-CS locations, with CVD, treated surgically were angiographically shown cured in 100% of the cases, with no treatment-related complications. The presence of CVD was significantly associated with aggressive presentations. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed little interobserver variability. Endovascular treatment for CS DAVF is safe and relatively effective. Surgical treatment of non-CS DAVF with CVD is safe, effective and the first choice treatment in our environment.

Ophthalmic vein compression for selected benign low-flow cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the cavernous sinus are acquired arteriovenous shunts between the dural branches of the internal and external carotid arteries and the cavernous sinus. These fistulas may present with cortical venous reflux, but more commonly drain antegradely toward the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Transvenous embolization is the most common endovascular treatment, but in some cases transvenous access to the compartment of the shunt may not be possible. In cases with no corticovenous reflux, manual compression of the SOV is an excellent alternative treatment, which is well known but rarely reported in the literature. The authors describe a series of 3 cavernous DAVFs with anterior drainage treated successfully by intermittent manual compression of the SOV.

Superselective Shunt Occlusion for the Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae

In treating cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae (CSdAVFs), transvenous embolization of the whole affected sinus is usually performed, which may result in the disturbance of normal venous drainage or permanent cranial nerve palsy. To describe superselective shunt occlusion of CSdAVFs. Between July 2005 and August 2011, we had 20 consecutive cases of CSdAVFs. In 14 cases (70%), we could detect the restricted locus of arteriovenous shunts by 3-dimensional rotational angiography and/or superselective arteriography. After navigating the microcatheter to the shunt segment, consecutive superselective arteriovenography was performed to confirm the location of the microcatheter at the proper position. In 12 of 14 cases (85.7%) in which the shunt was restricted, coiling only in the small venous pouch or compartment, which was just downstream of the shunt point, led to complete disappearance of the shunt without obliterating the entire sinus. No recurrence or permanent cranial nerve palsy was observed during the follow-up period with a mean of 46 months (range, 3-69 months) in 12 cases treated by superselective shunt occlusion. This technique, which enables complete extirpation of shunts by small amounts of coils, is a feasible way to treat CSdAVFs with excellent mid- to long-term results. Understanding of the angioarchitecture by 3-dimensional rotational angiography and consecutive superselective arteriovenography was useful. This method should be considered before sinus packing or mere obliteration of dangerous venous outlets.

Angioarchitecture of Transverse-Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Evaluation of Shunted Pouches by Multiplanar Reformatted Images of Rotational Angiography

Recognition of shunted pouches dural arteriovenous fistula allows us to treat the disease effectively by selective embolization of the pouches at first. However, the shunted pouches in transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas have not been well-documented. Our aim was to evaluate the angioarchitecture of transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas, including the frequency and location of shunted pouches and their feeding arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five consecutive cases of TSS-DAVFs that underwent rotational angiography and transvenous embolization between 2008 and 2011 were reviewed. Multiplanar reformatted images of rotational angiography and selective angiography were reviewed with a particular focus on the shunted pouches. All 25 cases showed SPs, with numbers ranging from 1 to 4 pouches (mean, 2.35). The SPs were located at the transverse-sigmoid junction in 16, close to the vein of Labbé in 9, at the dorsal-to-sigmoid sinus in 9, inferior to the sigmoid sinus in 6, at the sigmoid-jugular junction in 5, and inferior to the transverse sinus or the sinus confluence in 14. The SP at the sigmoid sinus was frequently fed by the jugular branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery and the stylomastoid artery. The SP at the transverse-sigmoid junction and the vein of Labbé was fed by the petrosal/petrosquamous and posterior branches of the middle meningeal artery and the transosseous branches of the occipital artery. The SP inferior to the transverse sinus and the sinus confluence was fed by the transosseous branches of the occipital artery and the posterior meningeal artery. All cases were successfully treated by transvenous embolization with sinus packing (n = 13) or selective embolization of the SP (n = 12). The presence of SP is a common angioarchitecture of TSS-DAVFs. Identification of the SPs would be useful for their treatment.

Resolution of Clinical Symptoms after Reopening of an Occluded Inferior Petrosal Sinus in a Patient with a Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

We describe a rare case with a cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in which the clinical symptoms disappeared after the patient underwent reopening of an occluded inferior petrosal sinus (IPS). A 66-year-old woman presented with increased intraocular pressure, chemosis, and proptosis on the left side. Angiography demonstrated a left CS DAVF supplied by the dural branches of bilateral internal carotid arteries. The shunt flow was directed to the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins, while the bilateral IPSs were not opacified. Accordingly, a transvenous embolization of the fistula was attempted. Although the microcatheter was navigated to the cavernous sinus through the occluded left IPS, obliteration of the fistula was unsuccessful because of the failure of superselective catheterization at the fistulous point. However, the final image demonstrated the development of an antegrade shunt flow through the left IPS to the internal jugular vein and disappearance of the retrograde reflux to the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins. The patient's clinical symptoms immediately resolved after the operation, and the symptoms have not recurred during a one-year follow-up period. Inappropriate transvenous embolization of CS DAVFs can result in vascular complications arising from the unintentional redistribution of shunt flow. The present case illustrates that the disappearance of retrograde shunt flow to the ophthalmic veins after reopening of the occluded IPS may be sufficient if a superselective approach fails or is anticipated to result only in an incomplete embolization of the fistulous point.

Abstract TP447: Transvenous Approach Of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Background: Transvenous embolization (TVE) for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSdAVF) is commonly performed via inferior petrosal sinus (IPS). However, TVE via IPS is sometimes difficult and we have to use adjunctive techniques or choose other approach routes. Method: 44 patients with CSdAVFs were treated by TVE between January 2005 and June 2012. We retrospectively analyzed their techniques and approach routes. Result: The approach via IPS was possible in 37 patients (84%). 5 patients of them were treated via contralateral IPS of the lesions and 17 patients of them were treated via occluded IPS. As the adjunctive technique, we used triple catheter technique (TCT) in 11 patients, and the reopening technique using 0.035-inch guidewire, which opened a path for a subsequently inserted microcatheter in 6 patients. 7 patients (16%) were treated via the other approach routes. In 4 patients, we approached via facial vein. In 2 patients, we approached via middle temporal vein. In 1 patient, we approached via superior petrosal sinus and IPS at the same time using double catheter technique. As the adjunctive technique, we used TCT in 5 patients, direct puncture of internal jugular vein in 1 patient, compression of facial-angular vein in 1 patient. All of 43 patients were treated with coils and 2 patients were treated with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) which was injected to the inside of the sinus as additional treatment. Finally, complete occlusion was achieved in all of 43 patients. Conclusion: Adjunctive techniques enable us to access cavernous sinus via IPS in most of our patients. If it is impossible to access cavernous sinus via IPS, we must analyze vascular anatomies and choose appropriate approach routes.

Surgical management of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse–sigmoid sinus in 42 patients

A retrospective study was performed to analyse a prospectively collected database from a single surgeon (M.K.M.) of transverse–sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) between 1991 and August 2011. During the study period, 144 patients with 160 DAVF were managed. Sixty-five of the DAVF were located in the transverse-sigmoid sinus and 42 were treated with surgery, or embolisation and surgery. All patients who underwent surgery were symptomatic with retrograde cortical venous drainage. The average follow-up period was 18months (range, 2–82months). Total elimination of the DAVF was achieved in all instances, including two patients (5%) who required further surgery after postoperative cerebral angiography showed that some venous drainage had persisted after the first operation. There was no new permanent neurological deficit or mortality attributable to surgery. Our institutional experience shows that in selected patients with transverse–sigmoid sinus DAVF, the involved sinus can be surgically resected with a high success rate and it is as safe as many alternative options. We suggest that this definitive treatment option should be offered to patients, and the outcome should be compared to other treatment modalities.

Treatment outcomes of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses from a single institute in Asia

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses (TSS) are rare in Asian populations. This study sought to evaluate the treatment outcomes of intracranial TSS DAVFs at a single Asian institute. Between 1989 and 2007, 122 patients presented to the Seoul National University Hospital with intracranial DAVFs; we performed a retrospective analysis of the 38 patients (31.1%) with TSS DAVFs. The common clinical presentations were headache (44.7%), tinnitus (39.5%), and intracranial hemorrhage (26.3%), and 71.1% had Borden type II or III lesions. Two patients were conservatively managed, two underwent surgery, and 34 were treated endovascularly with transarterial embolization (TAE), transvenous embolization (TVE), or both. The complete occlusion rate immediately after treatment was 50%. Of the 31 patients (81.6%) who underwent follow-up angiography, initial complete occlusion was achieved in 51.6%, and, at the last follow-up, the complete occlusion rate was 64.5%, with the surgery and TVE groups achieving 100% occlusion. The clinical cure rate was 34.2%, and 86.8% of patients had a favorable clinical outcome. However, all patients in both the surgery and TVE groups achieved a favorable clinical outcome. Four (26.7%) of 15 lesions with initially partial embolization showed delayed occlusion. Five patients (13.2%) exhibited clinical or angiographic signs of recurrence, and five patients had permanent complications. TSS DAVFs were less common than cavernous sinus DAVFs, unlike in Western countries, but the angiographic and clinical characteristics of TSS DAVFs were similar to those in Western countries. TSS DAVFs were successfully managed with different modalities, but both surgery and TVE were superior to conservative management or TAE.

Transvenous Embolization of Cavernous and Paracavernous Dural Arteriovenous Fistula through the Facial Vein: Report of 12 Cases

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the transfacial venous embolization of cavernous or paracavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in which approach via inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) was not feasible.Materials and MethodsWe identified the cases of transfacial venous embolization of cavernous sinus (CS) or adjacent dural sinuses from the neurointerventional database of three hospitals. The causes and clinical and angiographic outcomes of transfacial venous embolization were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsTwelve patients with CS (n = 11) or lesser wing of sphenoid sinus (LWSS, n = 1) DAVF were attempted to treat by transvenous embolization via ipsilateral (n = 10) or contralateral (n = 2) facial vein. Trans-IPS access to the target lesion was impossible due to chronic occlusion (n = 11) or acute angulation adjacent the target lesion (n = 1). In all twelve cases, it was possible to navigate through facial vein, angular vein, superior ophthalmic vein, and then CS. It was also possible to further navigation to contralateral CS through intercavernous sinus in two cases, and laterally into LWSS in one case. Post-treatment control angiography revealed complete occlusion of the DAVF in eleven cases and partial occlusion in one patient, resulting in complete resolution of presenting symptom in eight and gradually clinical improvement in four patients. There was no treatment-related complication during or after the procedure.ConclusionIn the cavernous or paracavernous DAVF in which trans-IPS approach is not feasible, the facial vein seems to be safe and effective alternative route for transvenous embolization.

Onyx Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula, using Scepter C Balloon Catheter: a Case Report

We report our experience using Onyx for embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) under dual lumen balloon catheter flow arrest. Transfemoral cerebral angiography revealed a superior sagittal sinus (SSS) DAVF that was supplied via multiple branches of the external carotid arteries, the right anterior cerebral arteries, and the meningeal branches of the internal carotid artery. There was no anterograde venous drainage through the SSS, and venous drainage was almost retrograde through the medullary and cortical veins. Under general anesthesia, a transvenous approach was utilized to place the microcatheter close to the fistula site. After intravenous embolization with various coils, DAVF was partially occluded; Balloon catheter gained access to the DAVF via the right middle meningeal artery. We injected Onyx through the Scepter C catheter, after which DAVF was nearly completely occluded. Balloon-assisted Onyx embolization is a feasible and effective approach for the management of DAVF.

Intraosseous Arteriovenous Malformation of the Sphenoid Bone Presenting with Orbital Symptoms Mimicking Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

Intraosseous arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the craniofacial region is rare. When it occurs, it is predominantly located in the mandible and maxilla. We encountered a 43-year-old woman with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome affecting the right lower extremity who presented with a left orbital chemosis and proptosis mimicking the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. Computed tomography angiography revealed an intraosseous AVM of the sphenoid bone. The patient's symptoms were completely relieved after embolization with Onyx. We report an extremely rare case of intraosseous AVM involving the sphenoid bone, associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Endovascular management of sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula associated with sinus stenosis in an infant

A 4-month-old female presented with a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), which was successfully managed using endovascular techniques. There are very few case series reporting DAVF in infants younger than 12months and, to our knowledge, only 60 pediatric patients with DAVF have been reported to date. Although most DAVF have a benign course, they can result in life-threatening hemorrhage. Endovascular therapies are usually indicated in the management of these neurosurgical vascular malformations. Endovascular therapy of DAVF in neonatal patients presents some major issues. Gaining arterial access may be problematic in femoral arteries too small for the introduction of a sizeable guiding catheter. The volumes of contrast and infused fluids must be carefully monitored to prevent fluid overload. Radiation exposure should be restricted as far as possible. This report contributes to the limited body of evidence on neonatal DAVF and its endovascular management.