Endovascular Transarterial Embolization Research Articles

Curative transvenous embolization for congenital multi-hole pial arteriovenous fistula.

Congenital intracranial pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare cerebral vascular pathology characterized by a direct shunt between one or more pial feeding arteries and a cortical draining vein. Transarterial endovascular embolization (TAE) is widely considered first line therapy. Curative TAE may not be achievable in the multihole variant due to the potential to harbor innumerable small feeding arteries. Transvenous embolization (TVE) may be considered to target the final common outlet of the lesion. Here, we present a series of four patients with complex multi-hole congenital PAVF treated with staged TAE followed by TVE. A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent treatment for congenital, multi-hole PAVFs treated by a combined TAE/TVE approach at our institution since 2013. We identified four patients with multi-hole PAVF treated by a combined TAE/TVE. Median age was 5.2 (0-14.7) years. Median follow-up of 8 (1-15) months by catheter angiography and 38 (23-53) months by MRI/MRA was obtained. TVE achieved complete occlusion in three patients that proved durable on radiographic follow-up and demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes with a modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0 or 1. Complete occlusion of the draining vein was not achieved by TVE in one case. This patient is graded as pediatric mRS=5 three years post-procedure. With thorough technical considerations, our series indicates that TVE of multi-hole PAVF that are refractory to TAE is feasible and effective in arresting the consequences of chronic, high-flow AV shunting produced by this pathology.

Transvenous embolization of conus spinal arteriovenous malformation: illustrative case

Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are the most challenging spinal vascular malformations. Endovascular transarterial embolization of spinal AVM has been well described. However, transvenous embolization has not been previously reported. In this case report, the authors describe transvenous embolization of a recurrent intramedullary/conus spinal AVM that was previously deemed unamenable to endovascular therapy. A 30-year-old female presented with debilitating lumbar back pain and was found to have an intramedullary spinal AVM at the level of the conus medullaris. Initially, the AVM was treated with endovascular arterial embolization and subsequently with microsurgical resection. However, on follow-up angiography, the AVM had recurred. Further arterial embolization was deemed not possible because of anatomical challenges. After careful consideration, endovascular transvenous embolization was performed with successful occlusion of the AVM nidus. Transvenous embolization is an alternative route for endovascular treatment of spinal AVMs that have an accessible single draining vein.

Transvenous Endovascular Treatment of a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Involving an Isolated Segment of the Superior Sagittal Sinus Through Recanalization of the Occluded Sinus

A 75-year-old man presented with bilateral frontal hematomas owing to a dural arteriovenous fistula involving an isolated segment of the superior sagittal sinus. After an unsuccessful attempt of transarterial endovascular embolization of the dural arteriovenous fistula, the fistula was occluded using a transvenous approach through recanalization of the occluded superior sagittal sinus.

Combined surgical treatment of giant cavernous hepatic hemangioma: A case report.

Introduction and importanceHepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumors, which in most cases are small in size and do not require specific treatment. Giant hepatic hemangiomas are a rare pathology. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the case of combined treatment of giant hepatic hemangioma.Case presentationA man of the Caucasian race, 37 years old, appealed to the clinic with a complaint about the presence of palpable abdominal mass. During the examination a giant cavernous hemangioma of the left lobe of the liver with a vertical size of up to 210 mm was discovered. Endovascular transarterial embolization (ETE) of tumor-feeding hepatic artery followed by radical surgery on mass removal is performed.Clinical discussionGiant hemangiomas often cause compression of nearby structures and cause symptoms such as pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, early food saturation, etc. Cases of spontaneous rupture of cavernous hemangioma, including fatal outcome, are also described. We suggest that some patients should go through surgical treatment even if they do not have any complaint.ConclusionsOur experience shows that endovascular embolization of the hepatic arteries can be effectively applied as a pre-surgical preparation method in order to reduce hemangioma size and blood loss volume during surgical intervention.

Endovascular Management of Intracranial Dural AVFs: Principles.

Intracranial dural AVFs are abnormal communications between arteries that supply the dura mater and draining cortical veins or venous sinuses. They are believed to form as a response to venous insults such as thrombosis, trauma, or infection. Classification and management are dependent on the presence of drainage/reflux into cortical veins because such drainage markedly elevates the risk of hemorrhage or venous congestion, resulting in neurologic deficits. AVFs with tolerable symptoms and benign drainage patterns can be managed conservatively. Intolerable symptoms, presentation with hemorrhage/neurologic deficits, or aggressive drainage patterns are indications for intervention. Treatment options include microsurgical disconnection, endovascular transarterial embolization, transvenous embolization, or a combination. This is the first in a series of 3 articles on endovascular management of intracranial dural AVFs, in which we outline the principles and outcomes of endovascular treatment.

Selective arterial embolization of renal angiomyolipomas: A 10-year experience.

ObjectivesTo study safety and efficacy of selective endovascular trans‐arterial embolization (TAE) of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) in a 10‐year period at a regional tertiary referral center in Denmark.Patients and methodsAll 56 patients who underwent TAE of renal AML at Departments of Urology and Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Denmark, from 2009 to 2020 were included. Seven without preoperative and postoperative imaging were excluded, leaving 49 patients for analysis. From national electronic medical records, we retrieved patient characteristics, surgical data, and follow‐up data. Tumor size at the time of embolization and during follow‐up was compared using Student's paired t test. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) pre‐ and post‐embolization were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test.ResultsWe included 49 patients of whom 4 had two tumors treated in the same TAE procedure. Median age was 50 years (interquartile range [IQR]: [29–67 years]), and the median follow‐up time was 4.6 years [IQR: 3.0–6.7 years]. Post‐embolization syndrome (PES) was experienced in 27 patients, and non‐PES in 5 patients. Median length of hospital stay was 0 days [IQR, 0–1]. Postoperative Everolimus immunosuppressive treatment was offered to seven patients. Median tumor size was 6.0 cm [IQR: 4.6–7.9 cm] and was significantly reduced to 3.7 cm [IQR: 2.5–5.2 cm] after treatment (p < 0.001). Kidney function was not affected by TAE. Three deaths, not related to AML, were noted during follow‐up.ConclusionEmbolization of AML was in this cohort effective to significantly reduce tumor size without serious adverse events and loss of renal function. TAE is a safe and efficacious treatment and the preferred minimally invasive treatment option of AML.

A new subtype of intracranial dural AVF according to the patterns of venous drainage.

A well-known classification of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) according to the patterns of venous drainage was described in 1977 by Djindjian, Merland etal. and later revised by Cognard, Merland etal. in 1995. They described 5 types of DAVFs assuming that the type of venous drainage is directly correlated with neurologic symptoms and in particular with hemorrhagic risk. We present a series of cases that combines type IV (DAVF with cortical venous drainage associated with venous ectasia) and type V (DAVF with spinal venous drainage), which we named type IV + V. A retrospective study between 2012 and 2020 in 2 Hospitals was performed on patients that met inclusion criteria for a diagnosis of this type of DAVF. Demographics, location, clinical presentation and outcomes of endovascular embolization were studied. Five (2,3%) patients out of 220 had a type IV + V DAVF. All cases had an aggressive presentation, either subarachnoid hemorrhage, myelopathy or both. All patients were treated with endovascular transarterial embolization achieving complete angiographic occlusion in one session and total remission of symptoms at 3 months. This rare type of DAVF, combines two aggressive venous drainage patterns. For that reason, patients with type IV+V DAVF probably have a more aggressive natural history and worst outcome due to risk of intracranial and/or spinal hemorrhage and myelopathy, thus requiring urgent diagnostic and treatment. Larger studies are needed to better understand this type of DAVF.

Pediatric pial arteriovenous fistula located at the bottom of the callosal sulcus presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage: a case report and literature review

A pial arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) is a rare condition characterized by a direct connection between a cerebral artery and cerebral vein without an intervening nidus. The prognosis is poor in untreated cases with hemorrhagic manifestations, indicating that surgical treatment is desirable. We describe a successful endovascular treatment for a pediatric case of ruptured pAVF located at the bottom of the sulcus. An 11-year-old girl presented with severe headache and mild disturbance of consciousness. Head computed tomography showed hemorrhage in the callosal sulcus and ventricle. Cerebral angiography showed an arteriovenous shunt without a nidus. The branching artery from the pericallosal artery was connected directly to the thalamostriate vein without varix, and the shunt point was located at the bottom of the callosal sulcus. The patient was diagnosed with pAVF involving a single feeder and single drainer. Emergency endovascular transarterial embolization was performed using 20% N-butyl cyanoacrylate, and the shunt disappeared completely without complications. The patient was discharged with no neurological deficits. Endovascular treatment is feasible, safe, and effective for pediatric cases of deeply located pAVF.

Gamma Knife radiosurgical treatment of a dural arteriovenous fistula with the feeding branches from the meningo-pituitary trunks of both internal carotid arteries

Treatment strategies for dural arterio-venous fistulas (DAFs) include single or multimodal schemes, including microsurgery, endovascular transarterial or transvenous embolization, or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).In the scientific medical resources, only 9 cases of bilateral DAFs of the brain are described, which required surgical intervention, and 4 were treated with endovascular or microsurgical approach; SRS was used in 5 cases, of which in 4 cases with previous or subsequent endovascular embolization.We have presented a case of successful SRS with Gamma Knife of bilateral DAF from the branches of meningo-hypophyseal trunks from inner carotid arteries without preliminary embolization or surgical resection.The use of SRS with Gamma Knife is possible with low-flow DAFs, as well as a part of a multimodal strategy with high-flow DAFs, which requires further study.

Staged transarterial endovascular embolization of a malignant dural arteriovenous fistula using Onyx and n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFs) are vascular anomalies formed by abnormal connections between branches of dural arteries and dural veins or dural venous sinus(es). These pathologic shunts constitute 10%-15% of all intracranial arteriovenous malformations. The hallmark of malignant dAVFs is the presence of cortical venous drainage, a finding that increases the likelihood of nonhemorrhagic neurologic deficit, intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality if left unaddressed. Endovascular approaches have become the primary modality for the treatment of dAVFs. The authors present a case of staged endovascular transarterial embolization of a malignant dAVF running parallel to the left transverse sinus in a patient with headaches and pulsatile tinnitus. The fistula was completely treated using Onyx and n-butyl cyanoacrylate.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/GSAto_wlC3I.

Endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas with sinus drainage: Do we really need to protect the sinus?

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with direct antegrade sinus drainage have a benign natural history but bruit can be disabling. Disconnection of the draining sinus is considered curative. We present the treatment results of 14 patients with a dural arteriovenous fistula with antegrade sinus return with emphasis on functionality of the involved sinus and the need for sinus patency. Between January 2009 and January 2018, 14 patients with a DAVF with direct antegrade sinus drainage were treated in our institution. There were two men and 12 women (1: 6) with a mean age of 61 years (median 61, range 43-78). Clinical presentation was unbearable pulsatile bruit in all cases. Thirteen were draining in the sigmoid or transverse sinus and one drained into the inferior petrosal sinus. Twelve of 14 (86%) patients had a draining sinus non-functional for the brain. In ten of these 12 patients the sinus was occluded with liquid embolic or coils. In the two patients with a functional sinus, the fistula was successfully occluded without occluding the sinus. One patient with inferior petrosal sinus drainage required transvenous embolization. There were no permanent adverse events of treatment. Patients with DAVFs with direct antegrade sinus drainage were cured using a strategy of endovascular transarterial and transvenous embolization. Most patients had a non-functional sinus that could be occluded for cure.

First line direct access for transarterial embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula: Case report and literature review

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) are complex vascular malformations consisting of a pathological shunt located between meningeal arteries and drainage to dural venous sinuses and/or cerebral veins. We report an unusual anatomical variation, resulting in a DAVF forming between the superior sagittal sinus and an anomalous origin of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) arising from the left ophthalmic artery. We present an atypical case requiring mini-craniotomy for catheter access, as well as cannulation of extracranial arterial supply prior to embolization of a Cognard type IIa+b fistula. Due to structural variation, transarterial endovascular embolization was deemed too high risk owing to risk of permanent blindness. We present a technical note and literature review on the first documented case of combined endovascular and surgical intervention as first line treatment for embolization of an anomalous middle meningeal artery related fistula. Our approach provided adequate obliteration of the DAVF and may be an alternative way to treat DAVF, when traditional transarterial or transvenous approaches are deemed high risk for neurological deficit.

Distinct Radioanatomic Features and Treatments for Spinal Epidural Arteriovenous Fistulae

Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula (SEDAVF) is a novel clinical entity that is distinct from spinal dural arterovenous fistula, although both diseases manifest as venous congestive myelopathy. We reviewed nine cases of SEDAVF to elucidate its pathogenesis and radioanatomic features and to optimize treatment strategy. All cases exhibited similar angioarchitecture, with a single shunt at the epidural venous plexus that drains into the intradural perimedullary vein and connects to the ventral spinal vein. Interestingly, all lesions were located on the ventral side of the lower lumber and sacral region, and shunts were located ventrally in association with the epidural pouch suspected to be isolated as extradural venous lake. This may be the result of the specificity of the feeding artery and a congenital shift in the distribution of the venous drainage system at the terminal film and conus. We explored two options for the treatment for SEADF: endovascular transarterial embolization and surgical shunt interruption. Among our patients, three were treated using the endovascular approach and six were treated with surgery. While both treatments were effective at improving symptoms, the delay between disease onset and diagnosis precluded a complete cure. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment based on precise knowledge of the angioarchitecture and pathogensis of SEDAVF is essential for improved outcomes.

Lumbar spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous drainage after endoscopic lumbar surgery.

Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with perimedullary venous drainage are rare. This report describes a case of lumbar epidural AVF in a patient with a history of endoscopic lumbar discectomy at the same level 8 years prior to presenting with progressive myelopathy secondary to retrograde venous reflux into the perimedullary vein. A 69-year-old man presented with progressive lower extremity weakness and sensory disturbance and loss of sphincter control 8 years after endoscopic lumbar discectomy for a disc herniation at L4-5 level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal cord edema and dilated intradural perimedullary vessels. Spinal angiography revealed an epidural AVF at the site of the previous endoscopic lumbar surgery with intradural perimedullary venous drainage. The fistula was successfully occluded via endovascular transarterial embolization, and the patient had stabilization of his neurological deficits. Lumbar spinal epidural AVFs, especially those associated with iatrogenic trauma, are rare. Endoscopic surgical procedure can occlude the epidural venous plexus and disturb venous drainage, thereby inducing local venous hypertension and leading to epidural AVF with perimedullary venous drainage. This type of pathology should be considered within the differential diagnosis of delayed neurological deterioration after spinal surgery.

Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistula with unusual drainage route treated by transarterial embolization

Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare intracranial lesions associated with a high risk of intracranial hemorrhage. In particular, this entity with reflux drainage directly into the ophthalmic vein is...

Color Doppler Ultrasound and MRI Findings of Vein of Galen Malformation in a Newborn, a Case Report.

The Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare intracranial arteriovenous anomaly that has usually been diagnosed prenatally. We reported a near term boy, 2,140 grams body weight, with a large VGAM, who was diagnosed prenatally by color Doppler ultrasound. After birth, his APGAR scores were 2, 4, and 8, respectively. An emergency cranial ultrasound was performed promptly when his vital sign began to be stable. The image revealed a huge dilatation of the great vein of Galen, measured about 1.9 x 2.0 x 3.8 cm. in diameter, with mixed venous and arterial flow profiles. Abnormal dilatation of the right internal carotid artery, and circle of Willis were also identified and likely to be an arterial feeder to choroidal artery which directly draining into the great vein of Galen. MRI, MRA, and MRV of the brain were performed on the following day and also showed a huge aneurysmal dilatation of a median vein of prosencephalon (precursor of the great vein of Galen) and marked dilatation of falcine sinus. Torcular herophili, both transverse / sigmoid sinuses and both internal jugular veins showed abnormal dilatation on MRA and MRV. Endovascular transarterial embolization was planned to performe on this patient but his vital sign was not stable. He finally expired from severe congestive heart failure after 5 days of life.

Predictors of Shunt-Dependent Chronic Hydrocephalus after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Introduction: Chronic hydrocephalus is a common complication that can occur after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical risk factors that could predict the occurrence of shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal SAH. Methods: Eighty-eight consecutive patients who underwent either surgery or transarterial endovascular embolization as a treatment for cerebral aneurysm within 72 h -after experiencing SAH from March 2005 to July 2006 were studied retrospectively to assess the risk factors that might predict shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus. Clinical and demographic factors were examined, including age, sex, initial admission mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), blood sugar level at admission, fever frequency, initial external ventricular drainage (EVD), Fisher grade, Hunt and Hess grade, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and treatment methods to define predictors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. The length of hospital stay and modified Rankin scale recorded 6 months after SAH were also evaluated; these parameters were compared between the shunt-dependent and non-shunt-dependent groups. Results: Of the 88 patients, 22 (25%) underwent shunt placement to treat their chronic hydrocephalus. The average length of hospital stay was 33.9 days for the shunt-treated group and 14 days for the non-shunt-treated group. The non-shunt-treated group scored an average of 1.05 on the modified Rankin scale compared with 2.77 for the shunt-treated group. A univariate analysis revealed that several admission variables were associated with long-term shunt-dependent hydrocephalus: (1) increased age (p = 0.023); (2) initial admission MABP (p = 0.027); (3) a high Fisher grade (p = 0.031); (4) a poor admission Hunt and Hess grade (p = 0.030); (5) the presence of IVH (p = 0.029), and (6) initial EVD (p < 0.0001). The factor most commonly associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus over the course of hospital days was fever frequency (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal SAH has a multifactorial aetiology. Understanding the risk factors that predict the occurrence of chronic hydrocephalus may help neurosurgeons to expedite permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion, which could decrease both the cost and length of hospital stay and prevent further complications.

Facial necrosis after endovascular Onyx-18 embolization for epistaxis

Background:Evolution in techniques and equipment has expanded the role, effectiveness, and safety of endovascular transarterial embolization for the treatment of severe epistaxis. Risks from this treatment approach include major ischemic complications. To date, there have been only a few reports of soft tissue necrosis following endovascular embolization for severe epistaxis; none involve the use of Onyx-18.Case Description:We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with epistaxis that was refractory to medical and surgical management, which lead to endovascular intervention and embolization with Onyx-18. The patient subsequently developed nasal ala and facial necrosis as a result of the procedure.Conclusion:We report the use of Onyx-18 for the endovascular embolization of a patient with severe epistaxis and subsequent complications. In cases of severe epistaxis that warrant intervention in the form of embolization, ischemic complications are rare; however, ischemic complications may be unavoidable and should factor into the discussion regarding procedural risks.

Curative Onyx embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas

The authors conducted a study to review their experience with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) treated with transarterial endovascular embolization in which Onyx was used. The authors reviewed prospectively collected data in 9 patients with tentorial DAVFs treated with Onyx embolization between 2008 and 2011. Information reviewed included clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment, and clinical and radiologically documented outcome. Clinical follow-up was available in every patient. Radiological follow-up studies were available in 8 of 9 patients (mean follow-up 4.6 months). Six of 9 patients had complete angiographic obliteration (in 5 this was confirmed by a follow-up angiogram obtained 3-6 months later), and 2 patients had near-complete obliteration (faint filling of the venous drainage in the late venous phase). One patient had partial obliteration and required surgical disconnection. In all patients with complete obliteration, transarterial embolization was performed through the posterior branch of the middle meningeal artery. There were no procedural complications, and no morbidity or mortality resulted from Onyx embolization. Transarterial Onyx embolization is a valid, effective, and safe alternative to surgical disconnection in many patients with tentorial DAVFs. The presence of an adequate posterior branch of the middle meningeal artery is critical to achieve a microcatheter position distal enough to increase the likelihood of complete obliteration.

Rare basal vein fistula with dilated vein of Galen

The authors present a rare case of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the basal vein of Rosenthal draining into a dilated vein of Galen managed by transarterial endovascular embolization. A male infant born at full term following a normal pregnancy and delivery with congestive heart failure, on investigation with MR imaging and MR angiography was found to have a basal vein of Rosenthal fistula with a dilated vein of Galen. His congestive heart failure was treated medically, and the AVF was managed electively at 10 months of age with successful transarterial endovascular embolization. The authors discuss the embryological aspects related to the pathological entity and the various clinical presentations, investigations, and management options. Management is primarily endovascular embolization; microsurgery is performed for a few selected cases, and radiosurgery has a limited role in older patients. Endovascular embolization is a safe and effective way to manage this malformation, with an excellent outcome if the AVF is eliminated by proper embolization at the fistulous point.