Indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula: transvenous embolization from the external jugular vein using a superior ophthalmic vein approach. A case report

A case of indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula treated by combined transarterial and transvenous embolization is described. A 49-year-old woman with a right indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula draining solely to the right superior ophthalmic vein was treated first by transarterial embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles. Then, by approaching through the superior ophthalmic vein from the right external jugular vein, the cavernous sinus was embolized with platinum wire using a tracker microcatheter, which resulted in marked clinical improvement. Transvenous embolization by approaching from the external jugular vein through the superior ophthalmic vein represents a promising alternative when shunted blood drains anteriorly to the superior ophthalmic vein.     

Transarterial NBCA embolization with transvenous partial outflow obstruction for superior petrosal sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report

We encountered a case of superior petrosal sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (SPS DAVF) which was treated by a combination of a transvenous and a transarterial approach after the failure of the transvenous approach alone. A 69-year-old man presented with a complaint of progressive left bulbar conjunctival conjestion, exophthalmos, and impaired vision. Cerebral angiography revealed a left SPS DAVF fed by the left middle meningeal artery, the meningeal branches of the left internal carotid artery and the left posterior meningeal artery. Venous drainage proceeded through the cavernous sinus (CS) toward the left superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Transvenous embolization via the SOV was indicated because the left ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus contributed to the normal venous return. However the microcatheter to the CS couldn't go through the tortuous SOV. Next a transarterial NBCA (n-butyl-cyanoacrylate) embolization of the affected sinuses was performed under arterial flow control with balloons and the partial coil embolization of the origin of the SOV. The coils in the SOV trapped NBCA and the sinuses were filled slowly with NBCA. The postoperative angiogram confirmed complete obliteration of the DAVF and the patient's ocular symptoms disappeared. DAVF is usually difficult to treat by transarterial embolization with NBCA because of its multiple feeders and high flow drainage. We should therefore carefully observe its structure and the blood flow change with 3D-DSA and the selective angiography while embolizing the DAVE.     

Fibrin Sealant Injection: An Aid to Reduce Venous Bleeding during Jugular Bulb and Sigmoid Sinus Dissection in Glomus Jugulare (Jugulotympanic Paraganglioma) Surgery

Glomus jugulare (jugulotympanic paraganglioma) surgery requires tumor dissection in the region of the jugular bulb, upper internal jugular vein, and sigmoid sinus. Despite ligation or external compression of the sigmoid sinus proximally and ligation of the internal jugular vein distally, troublesome venous bleeding can arise from the inferior petrosal sinus or condylar veins at the medial wall of the jugular bulb. Excessive packing in this area can place the integrity of the lower cranial nerves at risk. We report a technique in which Tisseel^® fibrin sealant is injected into the ligated sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein. This forms an internal cast around the tumor in the sigmoid-jugular complex and helps seal the inferior petrosal sinus and condylar veins. This allows for safer dissection with reduced venous bleeding. Our experience in five cases has shown this technique to be effective.     

Selective image-guided venous sinus exposure for direct embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula: technical case report

BACKGROUND: Transcranial approaches for transsinusal endovascular therapy of DAVF have been sporadically reported by large craniectomies. Large craniectomies carry nevertheless a risk of postembolization extradural hematoma, reduced by delaying the endovascular procedure. We report a 1-session technique of SIGC for percutaneous transvenous DAVF embolization. CASE DESCRIPTION: This 58-year-old woman developed a right-sided cerebellar hematoma in relation with a high-grade left transverse and sigmoid sinus DAVF. The DAVF was fed by branches from the left vertebral artery, left internal, and left external carotid arteries, draining into the transverse sinus with retrograde flow in cortical veins. Transvenous retrograde embolization was not feasible either through the left internal jugular vein because of thrombosis, or through the right one because of torcular septa. During the same anaesthetic session, a 5-cm-length selective craniectomy was shaped under magnetic resonance image guidance navigation according to the left transverse sinus with high-speed drill. Thereafter, back in the angiography room, the transverse sinus was taped and coiled resulting in a complete exclusion of the DAVF. CONCLUSION: Selective image-guided craniectomy is efficient and safe for direct percutaneous transvenous embolization of DAVF in a single anesthetic session. Leaving bone beside the sinus prevents a parenchymal traumatic puncture. This bone has nevertheless to be drilled to allow an adequate sharp puncture angle. Doing so, postoperative hematoma is prevented by the small bone opening, the natural adherence of the dura matter and the possibility of direct compression.     

Development of a dural arteriovenous fistula around the jugular valve after transvenous embolization of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is not without any risks, although it has been generally accepted to be a safe procedure. In this paper, we report a very rare complication: metachronous DAVF around a jugular valve 4 months after transvenous embolization. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 43-year-old woman presented with left proptosis, chemosis, and double vision. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a left cavernous DAVF. The patient's symptoms resolved almost completely after embolization with platinum coils via the superior ophthalmic vein. Four months later, angiography revealed a metachronous DAVF around a jugular valve. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, only four such cases have been reported in the literature. Careful follow-up of patients treated with transvenous embolization and accumulation of such cases are needed to understand the pathogenesis of multiple DAVFs.     

Impact of transvenous embolization via superior ophthalmic vein on reducing the total number of coils used for patients with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula

Neurosurgical Review - Although transvenous embolization (TVE) via the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is adopted in treating cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS DAVF), its effect on the...     

Venous aneurysm development associated with a dural arteriovenous fistula of the anterior cranial fossa with devastating hemorrhage--case report

A 67-year-old man presented with devastating intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) from an anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Four years earlier, digital subtraction angiography had disclosed a DAVF at the right anterior cranial fossa fed mainly by the ethmoidal branches of the bilateral sphenopalatine arteries and slightly by the ethmoidal arteries of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries, and drained primarily by the sphenoparietal and cavernous sinuses via two dilated cortical veins and slightly by the superior sagittal sinus via a frontal ascending vein. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed the development of a venous aneurysm on the main draining vein over a 4-year period, but no other changes. Venous aneurysm development may be part of the natural history of DAVF with cortical venous drainage and may contribute to the occurrence of ICH.     

A case of multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas treated by multiple modalities

The authors report a rare case of multiple intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) at separate sinuses. A 70-year-old man was introduced to our hospital complaining of visual disturbance due to bilateral choked disk, headache, and tinnitus. Initial angiography showed DAVFs involving the superior sagittal sinus and bilateral transverse-sigmoid sinuses, and the occlusion of the right jugular vein. The patient developed progressive impairment of visual activity and had high intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by venous hypertension. No cerebral alteration was seen on magnetic resonance imaging. To decrease the high ICP, surgical sinus isolation of the superior sagittal sinus was performed. After the surgery, transvenous embolization was performed to the right transverse-sigmoid sinus DAVF. Headache and tinnitus improved after these treatments, but visual activities rapidly declined and he experienced blindness in just a few months. Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed to the residual DAVFs. We discussed the etiology and treatment of the multiple DAVF, and reviewed past literatures.     

硬脑膜动静脉瘘动物模型的研究

目的 探讨硬脑膜动静瘘（ＤＡＶＦ）的发病机理。方法 （１）对照组：１０条犬,结扎并剪断右侧颈外静脉;（２）实验１组：１５条犬,吻合右侧颈外静脉远心端与以颈总动脉近心端;（３）实验２组：１５条犬,结扎并剪断左侧颈外静脉,然后与实验１组做相同处理。结果 对照组无ＤＡＶＦ发生;实验１组有３条犬发生ＤＡＶＦ;实验２组有１条犬发生ＤＡＶＦ。结论 单纯升高静脉窦内压力可以诱发ＤＡＶＦ。     

Transvenous treatment of carotid cavernous and dural arteriovenous fistulae: results for 31 patients and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate findings for patients with carotid cavernous fistulae or dural arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) who underwent transvenous embolization via different transvenous approaches. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data for 31 patients (age range, 17-81 yr; mean age, 59.3 yr) with carotid cavernous fistulae (n = 6) or dural AVFs (cavernous sinus [CS], n = 11; transverse/sigmoid sinus, n = 14) was performed. The AVFs were treated with coils via different transvenous approaches, in 56 procedures. Doppler ultrasonography and time-resolved, two-dimensional, magnetic resonance projection angiography were performed to confirm the treatment. The mean clinical follow-up period was 32.5 months. RESULTS: A total of 34 transvenous procedures were performed for 17 AVFs of the CS. Eleven patients with AVFs of the CS (63%) were cured with respect to clinical symptoms, and six patients experienced improvement (37%). The approach via the internal jugular vein and inferior petrosal sinus (n = 15) was possible in 60% of cases, with complete occlusion of the fistula in 78% of cases. With the approach via the facial vein (n = 8), there was a 50% success rate. The superior ophthalmic vein approach (n = 5) was associated with a high rate of technical success (100%), with a rate of complete fistula occlusion of 80%. We encountered complications, with transient morbidity, in four cases (23.5%). For 14 dural AVFs of the transverse/sigmoid sinus, 22 transvenous procedures were performed; 12 patients were cured (85.7%) and 2 experienced improvement (14.3%). The technical success rate was 86%, with complete occlusion in 42% of cases. Minor complications occurred in six cases (42.9%) but did not lead to permanent morbidity. CONCLUSION: Transvenous treatment of CS and transverse/sigmoid sinus AVFs can be effective if all transvenous approaches, including combined surgical/endovascular approaches, are considered.     

Paradoxical worsening of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: case report with serial angiograms

We report, with serial angiograms, a case worsening of dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) located at the hypoplastic right cavernous sinus and draining into the left superior ophthalmic vein across the inter-cavernous sinus. The patient presented with sudden onset of external ophthalmoplegia and deterioration of visual acuity on the left. An imaging work-up at the day of admission included contrast-enhanced computed tomography and conventional catheter angiography, which demonstrated complete thrombosis of the left cavernous sinus. There was no strong evidence to suggest DAVFs other than small faint opacification of the posterior cavernous sinus on the right at the late arterial phase. For this reason a diagnosis of left cavernous sinus thrombosis was made, followed by aggressive anticoagulation therapy with intravenous administration of antibiotics. Although the patient's eye symptoms improved significantly after the anticoagulation therapy, the follow-up angiogram obtained 5 days after admission demonstrated small right cavernous sinus DAVFs, which drained into the left superior ophthalmic vein. The patient was followed up conservatively at the out-patient clinic. Three-month follow up angiograms demonstrated spontaneous cure of the DAVF. Also noted was a complete recovery of external ophthalmoplegia with significant improvement of left visual acuity. The alternation of clinical and angiographic findings in this case may help to understand the etiology of paradoxical worsening of cavernous sinus DAVF. In selected cases, anticoagulation therapy may help to improve the prognosis of paradoxical worsening.     

The great veins of the neck

The great veins of the neck are of considerable importance, for example, in cannulation for a central venous line. The internal jugular vein commences as the continuation of the sigmoid sinus and emerges from the jugular foramen with the IX, X and XI cranial nerves. It terminates behind the manubriosternal joint by joining the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein. Its surface markings are the depression between the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid. In the neck the internal jugular vein lies in the carotid sheath with the carotid artery and the vagus nerve; the cervical sympathetic chain lies immediately behind. The subclavian vein commences as the continuation of the axillary vein at the lateral border of the first rib. It passes across the first rib superficial to scalenus anterior, which itself is crossed by the phrenic nerve. It receives a single tributary – the external jugular vein. The small subclavius muscle protects the subclavian artery from injury in fractures of the clavicle. The right brachiocephalic vein passes vertically downwards. Its meets the left brachiocephalic vein behind the lateral border of the manubrium to form the superior vena cava, which passes downwards to enter the right atrium.     

Usefulness of intravascular ultrasound in embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report

A 66-year-old male was admitted with right homonymous hemianopsia. Angiograms revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) involving the left transverse-sigmiod sinus. The DAVF was fed by the left occipital, middle meningeal, and posterior auricular arteries and drained into the left transverse sinus with occlusion of the left internal jugular vein and reversed flow of the left occipital cortical veins. Positron emission tomography (PET) study showed decreased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional oxygen extraction fraction (rOEF) and regional cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2) and increased regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV). The patient was treated by transarterial and transvenous embolization. Before transvenous embolization, we attempted to observe the perisinus structure used by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). IVUS was able to demonstrate multiple channels formed by DAVF and transvenous embolization was performed accurately at the exact fistulous site. After treatment, the DAVF had completely disappeared but clinical symptom had hardly any changed. A PET study showed that the rCBF and rCBV were normalized but rOEF and rCMRO2 had not changed. Eight months after treatment, PET study showed some normalization of rOEF and rCMRO2 of the left occipital lobe with the clinical symptom. IVUS is useful in determining the exact sites of transvenous embolization of DAVF.     

A case of craniocervical abscess with sinus thrombosis in Lemierre's syndrome

A 74-year old gentleman with a cranio-cervical abscess failed to improve after incision and drainage and standard intravenous antibiotic therapy. Imaging demonstrated thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus; and microbiological analysis isolated Fusobacterium nucleatum. The diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome was confirmed, and he was effectively treated with appropriate antibiotics and anti-coagulation.     

Treatment of spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula by the transvenous approach via the facial and angular route]

We report a case of a patient with a spontaneous carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCF) who was successfully treated by the facial vein approach. This 66-year-old female had a 3-month history of right chemosis and exophthalmos. Angiograms showed a spontaneous right CCF with primary drainage via the superior ophthalmic vein. As both inferior petrosal sinuses were hypoplastic, the transvenous approach could not be used to gain access to the right cavernous sinus. With effort, we were able to traverse the sharp angle at the corner of the angular vein and the superior ophthalmic vein with a microcatheter. Thereafter, it was easily navigated into the right cavernous sinus. Successful placement of Guglielmi detachable coils resulted in complete closure of the fistula. When it is difficult to gain access to the cavernous sinus via the inferior petrosal sinus, the facial vein approach is a useful alternative.     

Dural arteriovenous fistula of the anterior condylar confluence and hypoglossal canal mimicking a jugular foramen tumor

The anterior condylar confluence (ACC) is located on the external orifice of the canal of the hypoglossal nerve and provides multiple connections with the dural venous sinuses of the posterior fossa, internal jugular vein, and the vertebral venous plexus. Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the ACC and hypoglossal canal (anterior condylar vein) are extremely rare. The authors present a case involving an ACC DAVF and hypoglossal canal that mimicked a hypervascular jugular bulb tumor. This 53-year-old man presented with right hypoglossal nerve palsy. A right pulsatile tinnitus had resolved several months previously. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing right-sided jugular foramen lesion involving the hypoglossal canal. Cerebral angiography revealed a hypervascular lesion at the jugular bulb, with early venous drainage into the extracranial vertebral venous plexus. This was thought to represent either a glomus jugulare tumor or a DAVF. The patient underwent preoperative transarterial embolization followed by surgical exploration via a far-lateral transcondylar approach. At surgery, a DAVF was identified draining into the ACC and hypoglossal canal. The fistula was surgically obliterated, and this was confirmed on postoperative angiography. The patient's hypoglossal nerve palsy resolved. Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the ACC and hypoglossal canal are rare lesions that can present with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsies. They should be included in the differential diagnosis of hypervascular jugular bulb lesions. The authors review the anatomy of the ACC and discuss the literature on DAVFs involving the hypoglossal canal.     

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula presenting with various visual symptoms related to anterior and posterior visual pathway dysfunction: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) not directly shunting into the cavernous sinus are an infrequent cause of visual dysfunction. An unusual case of a tentorial DAVF associated with visual symptoms related to dysfunction of the anterior and posterior visual pathway is presented. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old woman with a history of long-standing bilateral proptosis experienced a sudden onset of headache and visual disturbances. Ocular examination revealed bilateral episcleral and retinal venous congestion, optic disc paleness, right superior homonymous quadrantanopsia in both eyes, and concentric narrowing of the visual field of the right eye. Angiography revealed a DAVF supplied by a falx branch arising from the left vertebral artery and both middle meningeal arteries, which drained directly into the markedly dilated vein of Galen via the basal vein of Rosenthal and the cavernous sinus into both superior ophthalmic veins. INTERVENTION: Endovascular treatment was performed in two consecutive sessions by transarterial embolization with n-butylcyanoacrylate, which resulted in occlusion of the fistula and complete clinical cure, confirmed at the 6-month follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Various neuro-ophthalmological findings may be caused by an arteriovenous lesion remote from the optic organ as a result of rerouting of venous drainage compromising the visual pathway at different locations. Transarterial embolization of a DAVF may result in complete cure if advantageous arterial anatomy allows for flow control and occlusion of the fistulous connection with liquid adhesives.     

Dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus with intraventricular hemorrhage: a case report

We report a case of dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus (TS-DAVF) with intraventricular hemorrhage. An 83-year-old woman presented with headache and vomiting. Neurological examination showed no defects. CT scans demonstrated intraventricular hemorrhage. Left external carotid angiograms showed a dural arteriovenous fistula of the isolated transverse-sigmoid sinus fed by the occipital and middle meningeal arteries. The draining vein was the leptomeningeal vein. Left internal carotid angiograms demonstrated venous congestion in the left temporal and occipital lobes. This case was grade 4 according to Lalwani's classification. 123I-IMP SPECT revealed a low perfusion are in the left temporal and occipital regions. Dynamic CT scans revealed venous congestion in the left temporal and occipital regions. We considered that the venous congestion was the cause of intraventricular hemorrhage. Initially, we embolized the DAVF using a transarterial approach with liquid material. However, the embolization of the DAVF was not complete. Therefore, we treated the DAVF by sinus packing with coils using a small craniotomy. Angiographic cure was obtained and the postoperative course was uneventful. We discuss the clinical features, the hemodynamic findings and the management of this case.     

Percutaneous insertion of CSF ventriculoatrial shunts — a new technique

Summary In conventional techniques concerning insertion of ventriculoatrial shunt systems, the route to the caval system is accomplished by a lateral rightsided neck dissection and isolation usually of the facial or the external jugular vein, in order to introduce the atrial catheter into the internal jugular vein and consequently the superior vena cava.A new approach for catheterization of the internal jugular vein is proposed. The technique is a combination of the well proven approach for percutaneous catheterization of the vein and a technique used in the implantation of permanent pacemaker leads.We find the method suitable for cases whenever a VA-shunt is prefered.     

Case of meningioma with extracranial extension through the internal jugular vein

We report a case of posterior fossa meningioma extending into the cervical jugular vein, which was successfully resected. A 57-year old male with ataxia and mild hypogeusia was admitted to our hospital. MRI demonstrated a well-circumscribed large posterior fossa mass with extracranial extension through the internal jugular vein. Two-staged surgical treatment was then performed. The mass in the posterior fossa was removed at the first operation. The tumor was invading into the sigmoid sinus which was filled with tumor. The second operation for extracranial mass was performed 1 month later. Transcervically, the internal jugular vein obstructed by tumor was successfully removed. The post-operative course was uneventful and histopathological examination revealed the fibrous meningioma in the posterior fossa, but the intravenous portion of the tumor showed more atypical findings. Such a case is quite uncommon and the mechanism of tumor extension with different histological features is discussed.