Comparison of management approaches in deep-seated intracranial arteriovenous malformations: Does treatment improve outcome?

Deep-seated intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent a subset of AVMs characterized by variably reported outcomes regarding the risk of hemorrhage, microsurgical complications, and response to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We aimed to compare outcomes of microsurgery, SRS, endovascular therapy, and conservative follow-up in deep-seated AVMs. A prospectively maintained database of AVM patients (1990–2017) was queried to identify patients with ruptured and unruptured deep-seated AVMs (extension into thalamus, basal ganglia, or brainstem). Comparisons of hemorrhage-free survival and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] > 2) were performed between conservative management, microsurgery (±pre-procedural embolization), SRS (±pre-procedural embolization), and embolization utilizing multivariable Cox and logistic regression analyses controlling for univariable factors with p < 0.05. Of 789 AVM patients, 102 had deep-seated AVMs (conservative: 34; microsurgery: 6; SRS: 54; embolization: 8). Mean follow-up time was 6.1 years and did not differ significantly between management groups (p = 0.393). Complete obliteration was achieved in 49% of SRS patients. Upon multivariable analysis controlling for baseline rupture with conservative management as a reference group, embolization was associated with an increased hazard of hemorrhage (HR = 6.2, 95%CI [1.1–40.0], p = 0.037), while microsurgery (p = 0.118) and SRS (p = 0.167) provided no significant protection from hemorrhage. Controlling for baseline mRS, microsurgery was associated with an increased risk of poor outcome (OR = 9.2[1.2–68.3], p = 0.030), while SRS (p = 0.557) and embolization (p = 0.541) did not differ significantly from conservative management. Deep AVMs harbor a high risk of hemorrhage, but the benefit from intervention Remains uncertain. SRS may be a relatively more effective approach if interventional therapy is indicated.     

Onyx胶栓塞治疗脑动静脉畸形的临床应用

目的总结新型液态栓塞剂Onyx栓塞脑动静脉畸形21例的技术要点和临床疗效。方法Onyx栓塞脑动静脉畸形21例，均采用Seldinger技术在股动脉内置入6F鞘，6F导引导管进入颈内动脉或椎动脉，Ultraflow、Marathon或Rebar微导管超选择进入畸形血管团内，采用“注胶-返流-停止-再注胶”技术长时间缓慢注射Onyx栓塞脑动静脉畸形。结果栓塞前后脑动静脉畸形闭塞30%～50%7例，50%～80%8例，80%以上6例。10例患者术后辅以伽玛刀治疗，其中2例一年以后复查DSA显示AVM完全闭塞。结论Onyx可提高脑动静脉畸形的栓塞效果，但应正确采用栓塞技术和注意预防并发症，长期疗效需要进一步随访。     

Revascularization of Onyx Induced Intra-Operative Occlusion of Vertebro-Basilar Artery Using the Merci Device

Introduction  

Endovascular embolization is an important modality in the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Onyx is an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide that is approved for use as an embolic agent for brain AVMs.     

经动脉途径应用Onyx胶栓塞治疗硬脑膜动静脉瘘(附16例报告)

目的探讨经动脉途径应用Onyx胶栓塞治疗颅内硬脑膜动静脉瘘(DAVF)的可行性及疗效。方法回顾性分析2007年3月至2010年10月收治的16例DAVF患者的临床资料及随访结果。经动脉途径采用Onyx胶栓塞治疗15例,动静脉联合途径1例。结果 16例患者共栓塞17次,栓塞结束即时解剖治愈14例(87.5%),另2例栓塞不全者术后辅以手术治疗。栓塞后出现动眼神经麻痹3例,面部感觉麻木3例,随访1月后症状消失;口咽部疼痛2例,应用糖皮质激素治疗后症状消失。本组无死亡病例。10例患者术后2～24个月复查DSA,1例DAVF复发,9例完全闭塞;6例门诊随访2～24个月均未见复发。结论经动脉途径应用Onyx胶栓塞治疗颅内DAVF是可行、有效的方法,效果良好。     

非粘附性液体栓塞剂Onyx栓塞脑动静脉畸形

目的 探讨非粘附性液体栓塞剂Onyx栓塞治疗脑动静脉畸形的可行性和安全性。方法 采用Onyx液体栓塞剂栓塞24例脑动静脉畸形，并对血管内治疗效果和手术的注意事项进行分析。结果 24例患者经过26次Onyx栓塞操作。畸形血管团完全栓塞5例，70％以上栓塞11例，70％以下栓塞8例。并发症情况：术后出血1例，未能撤出微导管而留置体内2例。其余病例无严重并发症。结论 Onyx栓塞脑动静脉畸形允许术者长时间缓慢注射，在掌握一定的推注技巧和控制返流技术后，可以显著提高脑动静脉畸形血管内治疗的效果。     

脑动静脉畸形的血管构筑特征与使用Onyx栓塞治疗的体会

目的 探讨脑动静脉畸形的血管构筑特征与使用Onyx进行血管内栓塞治疗的技巧. 方法 选择自2005年3月至2006年12月广州医学院附属第二医院神经外科收治的26例脑动静脉畸形患者,根据脑血管造影和超选择造影后脑动静脉畸形的血管构筑特征,使用Onyx进行血管内栓塞治疗. 结果 脑动静脉畸形栓塞治疗前需分析房隔结构.引流静脉数量,引流是否通畅,供血方式及混合伴有动脉瘤或静脉结构等.粗大、危险性小的供血动脉及伴发动脉瘤的脑动静脉畸形应优先栓塞,对于多支供血的脑动静脉畸形需保护引流静脉.本组栓塞治疗后畸形血管团完全消失7例,消失90%以上10例,消失70%～90%的7例.消失70%以下2例. 结论 全面的脑血管造影可正确指导使用Onyx栓塞治疗脑动静脉畸形,掌握一定的推注技巧可以显著提高脑动静脉畸形血管内治疗的效果.     

Incidence of hereditary thrombophilia in patients with cranial dural arteriovenous fistulae

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) can develop as consequence of prior venous sinus thrombosis. However, the prevalence of prothrombotic conditions in patients with intracranial DAVFs is unknown and there is no consensus on the indications to screen for procoagulable conditions in these patients. We performed a retrospective review of patients presenting to our institution for management of cranial DAVF. Patient and DAVF characteristics were noted, in particular the incidence of hereditary thrombophilia (HT) detected by laboratory evaluation. Respective comparisons of patients with and without HT were performed using comparative statistics. There were 165 patients presenting for management of 171 DAVFs. A large proportion of DAVF were located at a large dural sinus (42.7%), which included superior sagittal, transverse, and sigmoid sinuses. On multivariate logistic regression analysis cortical venous drainage was independently associated with hemorrhagic presentation (OR 8.23, 95% CI 1.78–38.08; p = 0.007). A HT was detected in 18 of 61 patients (29.5%) who underwent a thrombophilia work-up. Location at a large dural sinus was not more common in patients with a HT (55.0% vs 54.5%; p = 0.97). There was also no difference in the presence of cortical venous drainage (56.5% vs 38.6%; p = 0.22) or hemorrhage on presentation (15.9% vs 5.0%; p = 0.22) in patients with and without a HT. In HT were found to be highly prevalent in our cohort, though our results do not suggest their presence greatly influences DAVF pathophysiology. Screening for procoagulable states is indicated in selected patients with an intracranial DAVF.     

Retained microcatheter after onyx embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformation

Endovascular embolization is being increasingly used to treat intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, we experienced two patients with retained microcatheters after AVM embolization using Onyx.     

The trigeminocardiac reflex in Onyx embolisation of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula

We investigated the incidence of the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) during ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx Liquid Embolic System, ev3 Neurovascular, Irvine, CA, USA) embolisation of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) and evaluated the post-procedural recovery of these patients. Between June 2006 and July 2009, 21 patients (11 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 61 years (range: 25–85 years) underwent 28 Onyx embolisations of intracranial DAVFs at our institution. The case histories of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. A TCR occurred in three (10.7%) of the embolisations, with bradycardia lower than 60 beats/minute and a drop in mean arterial blood pressure of 20% or more. The reflex was blunted promptly with intravenous atropine, and follow-up of these patients showed no complications that might have been directly related to it. The TCR may occur during Onyx embolisation of intracranial DAVFs. Recognition of this phenomenon allows for early detection and appropriate intraoperative management.     

Onyx胶栓塞颅内动静脉畸形的临床分析

目的 探讨Onyx胶栓塞颅内动静脉畸形的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2014年12月采用Onyx胶栓塞治疗的120例颅内动静脉畸形患者的临床资料。结果 栓塞范围≥80% 56例（畸形团完全闭塞14例）,<80% 64例。术中少量出血2例,术后无神经功能缺损。术后出血4例,其中2例死亡。术后一过性神经功能缺损2例。118例随访2~48个月,平均（25.1±5.6）个月,患者头痛、头晕及癫痫等均得到不同程度改善;其中45例DSA随访示,完全闭塞26例,与术前比较无变化19例。结论 Onyx胶血管内栓塞治疗脑动静脉畸形具有良好的效果,但是应掌握其适应症和使用方法。     

Onyx结合微弹簧圈经静脉入路治疗硬脑膜动-静脉瘘

研究背景采取单纯微弹簧圈栓塞供血动脉姑息治疗硬脑膜动静脉瘘的方法,在栓塞血管巢近端供血动脉后,可出现新的供血动脉并可能改变静脉引流途径,从而增加颅内出血风险。闭塞引流静脉是一种十分有效的治疗方法,且经静脉途径闭塞引流静脉成功率较高,本研究尝试经静脉入路注射液体栓塞剂Onyx结合微弹簧圈栓塞治疗硬脑膜动静脉瘘,并探讨其疗效。方法经静脉入路栓塞治疗12例硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者(海绵窦区8例、横窦乙状窦区4例),通过脑血管造影检查及临床随访评价疗效。结果术后即刻全脑血管造影检查瘘口完全闭塞者11例、瘘口处血流速度明显减慢者1例。随访3个月至3年,临床症状完全消失者11例、明显缓解者1例。结论应用液体栓塞剂Onyx结合微弹簧圈经静脉入路栓塞治疗硬脑膜动静脉瘘安全有效。     

Onyx在颅内动静脉畸形栓塞治疗中的初步应用

目的总结Onyx在颅内动静脉畸形(AVM)栓塞治疗中的初步临床应用。方法应用Onyx对10例DSA确诊的颅内AVM进行栓塞治疗。AVM的直径在3~8cm,其中直径大于6cm的大型AVM6例。选用Ultraflow或Marathon微导管。每支供血动脉的注胶时间10~45min。结果栓塞结束时复查血管造影,畸形血管团闭塞30%~50%1例,50%~80%2例,80%~90%4例,90%以上3例。术毕1例患者将微导管留置体内。全部病例随访2~12月无再出血。结论应用Onyx栓塞AVM可以较长时间的注胶,娴熟掌握注胶技巧和控制返流能够提高AVM的栓塞疗效。     

Endovascular treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas at the jugular foramen

We report the technique and results of the endovascular treatment of jugular foramen dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in 4 (3 men and 1 women, mean age 50.75 years) symptomatic patients. The jugular foramen DAVFs accounted for 5.9% of intracranial DAVFs. Three patients presented with pulsatile tinnitus and 1 patient presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Angiography demonstrated an AV fistula at the jugular foramen, mostly arising from the middle meningeal, ascending pharyngeal and vertebral arteries with direct drainage to the internal jugular vein. All patients underwent transarterial embolization using Onyx-18. Complete shunt obliteration was achieved in 3 patients; and shunt reduction, in 1 patient, who was cured with additional surgery. Our study suggests that in jugular foramen DAVF transarterial embolization with Onyx should be considered when access is available.     

Onyx胶治疗脑动静脉畸形相关动脉瘤二例及文献复习

目的 探讨Onyx胶治疗动静脉畸形(AVM)相关的供血动脉蒂动脉瘤中的应用价值.方法 结合文献复习,回顾性分析2例大脑后动脉远端AVM相关的大型供血动脉蒂动脉瘤病例资料.结果 根据病变血管构筑特征及临床特点,对1例病人采用Onyx胶结合弹簧圈的方法进行栓塞,而对另1例病人则采用单纯利用Onyx胶进行栓塞.结果 提示Onyx胶结合弹簧圈的方法能降低术中动脉瘤破裂的风险,并能达到致密栓塞.结论 Onyx胶结合弹簧圈的方法有助于治疗动静脉畸形(AVM)相关的大型供血动脉蒂动脉瘤.     

Direct transcranial coil and Onyx embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula: Technical note and brief literature review

Intracranial high-grade dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have higher bleeding rates compared to other intracranial vascular malformations. Endovascular treatment is usually recommended for high-grade lesions, aiming at a complete fistula obliteration. However, some patients have vascular abnormalities that limit endovascular access to the precise location of the shunt. Alternative techniques may be considered in this scenario. A middle-aged man presented with intracranial hypertension secondary to a high-grade DAVF. Because of vascular abnormalities precluding transvenous access to the intracranial venous circulation, the patient required treatment by a direct transcranial coil and Onyx embolization of the shunt. Direct transcranial cannulation of a dural sinus is an alternative and effective route for transvenous embolization of DAVFs, especially if abnormal venous anatomy precluding venous access to the required cranial venous system is identified.     

Clinical features and endovascular treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations in pediatric patients

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize clinical features and evaluate the clinical outcome of endovascular embolization treatment intracranial arteriovenous malformations in pediatric patients.

Methods

A cohort of children (age?≤?18 years) with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) from 2000 to 2012 was included. Predictors studied included patient gender, age, and angioarchitectural features, including AVM location, nidus morphology and size, venous drainage, and associated aneurysms. Treatment method, complications and outcomes were recorded. The features of AVMs were evaluated before the treatment.

Results

One hundred twenty-seven children (77 males, mean age 13.2 years) were included; 90/127 (70.9 %) children were presented with hemorrhage. AVM size and deep venous drainage were independently associated with hemorrhage; 66/127 patients (52 %) treated with endovascular embolization. Complete obliteration at the end of all endovascular procedures was achieved in 14/66 patients (21.2 %), with an average of 78 % (range, 20–100 %) volume reduction. A mean of 2.9 (range, 1–9) feeding pedicles was embolized per patient. Overall, nine complications occurred in a total of 123 procedures (7.3 %). There was no procedure-related death in this study population. There was no significant difference between patients with and without complications in terms of AVM grade, demographic characteristics, or embolization features.

Conclusions

AVM size and deep venous drainage were independently associated with hemorrhage in pediatric patients. Endovascular procedure is feasible and safe for pediatric AVMs, and complete embolization can be achieved in small AVMs, while large AVMs can be adequately reduced in size for additional microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.     

Microsurgical resection versus stereotactic radiosurgery for low-grade intracranial arteriovenous malformations: A 27-year institutional experience

The role of microsurgery and radiosurgery in the management of low-grade (Spetzler-Martin grade 1 and 2) arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains controversial. We aimed to compare outcomes of low-grade AVMs following microsurgery and radiosurgery using a database of AVM patients presenting between 1990 and 2017. Procedure-related complications, obliteration, and functional status at last follow-up were compared between groups. Hemorrhage-free survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis with subgroup analyses by rupture status on presentation. The study involved 233 patients, of which 113 and 120 were treated with microsurgery and radiosurgery, respectively. The complication rates were statistically comparable between both treatment modalities. Mean follow-up time was 5.1 ± 5.2 years. In the complete cohort, there was no significant difference in hemorrhage-free survival between microsurgery and radiosurgery (log-rank p = 0.676, Breslow p = 0.493). When excluding procedure-related hemorrhage and partial resection, hemorrhage-free survival was significantly higher in the surgically treated cohort (log-rank = 0.094, Breslow p = 0.034). The obliteration rate was significantly higher in the surgical cohort (96% vs. 57%, p < 0.001), while functional status was similar. Microsurgery may offer superior hemorrhage-free survival in the early post-treatment period and demonstrates equivalent long-term hemorrhage control and functional outcome at 5 years compared to radiosurgery with nearly complete obliteration rates. Persistent neurologic deficits following microsurgery and symptomatic cerebral edema represent important treatment risks despite low SM grading. Appropriate patient selection even when dealing with low-grade AVMs is advised, as judicious patient selection and emphasis on technical success can minimize procedure-related hemorrhage and the incidence of subtotal resection.     

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.     

硬脑膜动静脉瘘Onyx栓塞术后三叉神经与面神经损伤一例

目的探讨硬脑膜动静脉瘘(DAVFs)Onyx栓塞术后并发三叉神经与面神经损伤的原因。方法分析1例DAVFs(海绵窦区)Onyx栓塞术后多发三叉神经与面神经损伤的临床资料,结合病因、临床表现、相应血管吻合。结果患者Onyx栓塞术后出现三叉神经及面神经损伤。结论硬脑膜动静脉瘘Onyx栓塞术后三叉神经与面神经的损伤与Onyx逆流阻塞相应脑神经的滋养动脉及二甲基亚砜的局部毒性有关。     

Relative signal intensity on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography as a novel indicator of aggressive presentation of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas

Asymptomatic dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with cortical venous reflux (CVR) are now more commonly encountered. However, patients with an incidental onset may have a less aggressive clinical course. It is desirable to explore methods and indicators to predict the clinical outcomes. This study investigates whether the relative signal intensity (rSI) of the draining vessels on the time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography is related to clinical behavior in patients with intracranial DAVFs. We retrospectively reviewed 36 intracranial DAVFs. The patients were categorized as those with either aggressive-presentation or non-aggressive-presentation (n = 16 and 20, respectively). The rSIs of the shunt points, affected sinuses, and veins with CVR were compared between the two groups. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of rSIs of the shunt points and affected sinuses (p = 0.37 and 0.41, respectively). However, a significant positive correlation was observed in the rSI of the veins with CVR between the aggressive and non-aggressive behavior groups (p < 0.0001). The rSI of the veins with CVR could serve as a reliable indicator of aggressive behavior in intracranial DAVFs, and its optimal cutoff value was 1.63 with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting aggressive behavior (area under the curve, 0.909).