Bilateral dural arteriovenous fistula in the region of the cavernous sinus

Summary The case of a patient with a fistula between the left internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, and another fistula between the right external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, is reported. The clinical symptomatology, which was of spontaneous onset, was unilateral and consisted of exophthalmos and injection of the conjunctiva on the left side. Almost complete remission occurred after angiography.     

Percutaneous transvenous packing of cavernous sinus with Onyx for cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the technique and results of the transvenous approach for occlusion of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with Onyx.

Methods

Eleven patients presenting with clinically symptomatic DAVFs, were treated between August 2005 and February 2007 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. We were able to navigate small hydrophilic catheters and microguidwires through the facial vein or inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) into the ipsilateral cavernous sinus. After reaching the fistula site the cavernous sinus was packed with Onyx or combining with detachable platinum coils.

Results

We were able to reach the fistula site and to achieve a good packing of Onyx or combining with coils within the arteriovenous shunting zone in 10 patients. The final angiogram showed complete occlusion of the arteriovenous fistula. Two (18.2%) patients developed a bradycardia during DMSO injection. No complications related to the approach were observed.

Conclusions

Transvenous occlusion of cavernous DAVFs is a feasible approach, even via facial vein or via IPS. Onyx may be another option for cavernous packing other than detachable platinum coils.     

海绵窦区硬脑膜型动静脉瘘的诊断和治疗

目的探讨海绵窦区硬脑膜型动静脉瘘的诊断和治疗方法。方法25例硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者,均以眼部表现与首发症状,其中5例患者初诊为“结膜炎”。25例患者全部经Seldinger技术插管行全脑血管造影证实。13例分流量大、供血动脉条数多者行血管内栓塞治疗,12例分流量小,供血动脉条数少者采用压颈保守治疗。结果25例均为海绵窦区硬脑膜型动静脉瘘,其中13例采用经血管内栓塞治疗,12例采用压颈保守治疗,均取得满意疗效。结论海绵窦区硬脑膜型动静脉瘘的诊断通常并不困难。血管内栓塞治疗是非常有效的方法,对分流量小的病变压颈保守治疗同样可获得较好的结果。     

Coil embolization of cavernous sinus in patients with direct and dural arteriovenous fistula

To determine technical success and acute complication rates after endovascular coil packing of the cavernous sinus. Nineteen patients presented with either direct (13) or dural (6) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and were treated by means of coil embolization of the cavernous sinus. The aim of treatment was complete obliteration of the fistula. In a retrospective study, the degree of obliteration, regression of symptoms as well as complication rates were evaluated. Initial complete obliteration was achieved in 12 patients, subtotal occlusion of the sinus in 6 and incomplete packing with major residual fistula in 1 of the patients. Retreatment was successfully performed in two patients with early recurrence of AVF. Follow-up showed complete occlusion rates in 16 and subtotal obliteration in 3 patients. Chemosis and exophthalmus regressed rapidly in all affected patients. Persistence of cranial nerve deficits was observed in 11 cases. Postinterventional thrombosis of the ophthalmic vein was the only major acute complication (n = 2). Coil embolization of the cavernous sinus in cases with AVF is a complex procedure that is technically feasible and safe in the majority of cases. Adequate anticoagulation is recommended to avoid thrombembolic complications. Long-term outcome has to be determined by further studies.     

Dural sinus thrombosis

Summary Magnetic resonance imaging has been reported to have advantages over conventional angiography in the diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis. A case report is presented describing the application of MR techniques including MR angiography, to diagnose and monitor therapy for dural sinus thrombosis.     

Recovery of opthalmoplegia associated with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas after transvenous cavernous sinus packing

Background

We report the recovery of ophthalmoplegia in 11 patients with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF) after sinus packing at follow-up.

Methods

Of 18 patients with CSDAVF treated with transvenous cavernous sinus packing between August 2002 and December 2007 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, there were 9 patients with initial CNIII or CNVI dysfunction and 2 patients with CNVI dysfunction immediately after cavernous sinus packing selected and reevaluated.

Results

Of 11 patients with CNIII or CNVI palsy, recovery was complete in 10. In 1 patient, complete CNVI palsy was unchanged because the CSDAVF was not cured. There were 6 men and 5 women with a mean age of 52.9 years. In 5 patients, CNVI palsy was associated with chemosis, proptosis and pulsatile tinnitus. Timing of treatment after onset of symptoms was from 4 to 35 days in 9 patients. All CSDAVFs were Barrow type D. Mean follow-up after treatment was 17.7 months (range, 2-54 months).

Conclusion

CSDAVF-induced CNIII or CNVI palsies can be cured after cavernous sinus packing transvenously in most patients.     

硬脑膜动静脉瘘的治疗

目的 探讨不同方法治疗的不同类型的硬脑膜动静脉瘘(DAVF)的疗效。方法 采用经动脉入路在供血动脉内采用低浓度NBCA胶、弹簧圈、游离纤毛钢圈、PVA等栓塞治疗;经静脉入路在瘘口静脉端用弹簧圈栓塞,或直接开颅手术夹闭瘘口、静脉窦表面颅骨钻孔后直接穿刺作静脉窦内栓塞及静脉内支架植入等方法治疗不同部位和不同类型的DAVF32例。结果 8例前颅凹底DAVF,5例经动脉入路栓塞治疗,2例治愈,3例临床好转;3例(1例经静脉入路治疗失败后)前颅凹底入路行开颅瘘口直接夹闭治愈。14例海绵窦区DAVF,7例经眼上静脉入路海绵窦内栓塞治愈,4例经动脉入路,治愈1例,好转3例。5例横窦区DAVF,2例经静脉入路窦内栓塞治愈,2例动脉入路栓塞后好转,1例行窦孤立手术治愈。4例多处瘘口的上矢状窦DAVF,联合多种治疗方法经多次治疗,临床好转。1例左侧颈静脉孔区DAVF联合多种治疗方法经多次治疗治愈。结论 前颅凹底DAVF以直接手术行瘘口夹闭疗效好,经动脉入路低浓度胶栓塞可治愈但需注意危险吻合;海绵窦区DAVF经静脉入路栓塞多可治愈。横窦区DAVF静脉入路栓塞瘘口静脉端效果好;复杂性DAVF治疗困难,目前联合多种治疗方法可以达到临床改善。将治疗策略定在针对瘘口的静脉端,可望达到临床治愈。     

Dural arteriovenous fistula of the inferior petrosal sinus producing contralateral exophthalmus

A unique dural arteriovenous fistula of the right inferior petrosal sinus is described in which the clinical presentation that of a left caroticocavernous fistula.     

Transvenous embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula of the laterocavernous sinus through the pterygoid plexus

We present a novel access for transvenous embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula of the laterocavernous sinus through the external jugular vein and the pterygoid plexus. The anatomy of the laterocavernous sinus is reviewed, and its clinical implications discussed in light of the case of a patient whose management was modified after identifying this anatomical variation.     

Dural arteriovenous fistula involving the transverse sigmoid sinus after treatment: assessment with magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography (MRDSA) in showing the presence or absence of retrograde venous drainage (RVD) in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) involving the transverse sigmoid sinus (TSS) after treatment. Methods Of 16 patients with DAVF involving the TSS, 13 underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and MRDSA before and after treatment, and 3 underwent DSA before treatment and DSA and MRDSA after treatment. Five patients underwent these procedures twice after treatment. A total of 21 examinations after treatment were evaluated retrospectively. The presence or absence of DAVF and RVD was decided on the basis of the DSA findings. Two neuroradiologists reviewed the MRDSA findings concerning the presence or absence of DAVF and RVD. Results DSA showed residual DAVF in 9 and residual RVD in 5 of 21 examinations. MRDSA revealed residual DAVF in 8 of 21 examinations. MRDSA did not show residual DAVF in one examination because of a very small (low-flow) residual DAVF without RVD. MRDSA identified residual RVD in 5 of 21 examinations. MRDSA was completely consistent with DSA concerning the presence or absence of residual RVD. Conclusion MRDSA could evaluate the presence or absence of RVD in patients with DAVF involving TSS after treatment. MRDSA may give reliable information as to whether patients with DAVF involving the TSS should undergo additional DSA after treatment.     

MRI assessment of unsuspected dural sinus thrombosis

Summary In three patients with clinically unsuspected diagnosis, MRI has afforded a positive and conspicuous demonstration of dural sinus thrombosis, allowing specific treatment and followed by improvement in the patients' condition. Even in retrospect, CT examinations were nondiagnostic. Presenting symptoms were usual and nonspecific. CT and radionuclide scanning have proved valuable when performed on a clinically oriented basis. Angiography cannot be carried out without clear indications. MRI offers advantages in being a non-invasive technique without ionising radiation, allowing direct visualization and accurate delineation of the thrombus. MRI is definitely the method of choice to assess clinically suspected cerebral venous occlusion. As MR diagnosis relies on a routine examination protocol, we believe that it will detect other unsuspected cases of dural sinus thrombosis.     

Percutaneous transvenous embolisation through the occluded sinus for transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistulas with sinus occlusion

We report six cases of transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistulae (TS DAVF) treated with percutaneous transvenous embolisation through the occluded sinus. All patients had sinus occlusive lesions: an isolated sinus in five cases and a distal occlusion of the affected sinus in one. Leptomeningeal retrograde venous drainage via the vein of Labbé or the sylvian vein was observed in all patients with an isolated sinus. In five patients a microcatheter was easily passed through the occluded sinus. In four of them, a complete angiographic cure was achieved by packing the sinus with coils. However, in one, sinus packing was ineffective and surgical excision of the affected sinus was necessary. The microcatheter could not be passed through the occluded sinus in one case, and direct packing of the isolated sinus was later required. In all cases, complete cure was achieved without complications. This safe, not very invasive and highly effective treatment for TS DAVF with sinus occlusion is thus worth trying when the occluded segment is relatively short. Received: 11 August 2000 Accepted: 21 August 2000     

A rare brainstem hemorrhage due to incomplete transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: A case report

Endovascular embolization is generally thought to be safe and effective for the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS DAVF); however, some complications have been reported. We report an extremely rare brainstem hemorrhage associated with transvenous embolization (TVE) of CS DAVF. A 66-year-old man presented with right-sided conjunctival chemosis and exophthalmos. His brain magnetic resonance image showed right CS DAVF. Thus, emergent TVE was performed. Although his symptoms improved after the first TVE, magnetic resonance image showed brainstem edema, and venous congestion was suspected because of incomplete TVE. Second TVE was performed. Thereafter, computed tomography showed brainstem hemorrhage, resulting in the occurrence of right abducent nerve palsy, right-sided facial palsy, and ataxia. The patient''s condition gradually improved, and a year has passed without recurrence. Incomplete TVE of CS DAVF can result in life-threatening complications, such as cerebral hemorrhage. To avoid these complications, the anatomical structure of the cavernous sinus should be understood accurately, and important drainage veins should be determined.     

静脉窦开通治疗硬脑膜动静脉瘘伴静脉窦闭塞3例

目的 探讨静脉窦开通治疗硬脑膜动静脉瘘(DAVF)伴静脉窦闭塞的效果.方法 回顾性分析2009年9月至2015年5月收治的3例DAVF伴静脉窦闭塞患者临床资料.结果 1例患者经单纯开通静脉窦后治愈DAVF,2例患者经机械性开通联合球囊扩张恢复静脉窦主干通畅后症状明显好转;均未出现介入治疗并发症.结论 部分DAVF伴静脉窦闭塞患者静脉窦开通后正常脑静脉回流通畅,横窦、乙状窦周围DAVF瘘口能达到彻底、永久闭合.静脉窦开通恢复有效血流动力学是治疗DAVF伴静脉窦闭塞的有效方法.     

Follow-up MRI in dural arteriovenous malformations involving the cavernous sinus: emphasis on detection of venous thrombosis

Summary Six patients with a dural arteriovenous malformation (dural AVM) involving the cavernous sinus were followed up with magnetic resonance imaging in order to assess change in the lesions. Spin-echo (SE) imaging of three patients in whom the AVM appeared to have closed at least 1 month earlier (two of them spontaneously, and one after external carotid artery embolization) showed neither apparent flow void in the involved cavernous sinus nor evidence of venous thrombosis. SE images of the other three patients who had not been cured by external carotid artery embolization (two of whom were examined within a week of treatment), detected persisting arteriovenous shunts, including high-flow cortical venous drainage, seen as flow void. Two-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography (2D TOF MRA) was performed simultaneously in three patients. Whereas shunting blood and the normal cavernous sinus were of high intensity, presumed thrombosed cavernous sinuses were isointense with stationary brain tissue. SE imaging can confirm the resolution of arteriovenous shunts, but poorly delineates ver acute and chronic thrombosis of the draining veins. In contrast, 2D TOF MRA directly demonstrates flowing blood, permitting the diagnosis of venous thrombosis; it should be included in follow-up of a dural AVM involving the cavernous sinus when venous thrombosis is suspected.     

Thrombosis of aggressive dural arteriovenous fistula after incomplete embolization

We report the cases of three patients diagnosed with dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) and cortical venous reflux (CVR). All were treated by transarterial endovascular embolization. Residual shunting and cortical venous drainage continued to be present at the end of the treatment procedure, despite the fact that during endovascular embolization glue penetration into the proximal venous component of the fistula had been achieved. Subsequently, follow-up angiography showed total obliteration of the fistulas and absent associated CVR. The fistulas were no longer opacified, and no additional treatment was performed. We demonstrate that residual aggressive DAVF may progress to total thrombosis if strategic deposition of the glue into the venous side has been achieved. Early follow-up angiogram is recommended prior to a planned complementary surgical approach.     

Endovascular treatment of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula

We describe the technique and results of the endovascular treatment of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) in four symptomatic patients. Catheterization was via the superior sagittal sinus in two patients and via the ophthalmic artery in two patients. Embolization was performed using detachable platinum coils in the former two patients and a liquid embolic system (Onyx-18, MTI) in the latter. We were able to reach the fistula site and to embolize the arteriovenous shunting zone in all of the patients. The final angiogram showed complete occlusion of the DAVFs, and all patients recovered completely. No complications related to either approach were observed. Endovascular treatment of anterior cranial fossa DAVFs is feasible by either transvenous or transarterial access.     

Treatment of a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula by deep orbital puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein

In a patient with progressive ophthalmological problems, including uncontrolled intraocular pressure related to a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula, urgent intervention may be necessary to prevent permanent visual loss. We report a case in which inadequate transarterial embolisation and lack of access for transvenous catheterisation, including a direct approach through the superior ophthalmic vein, preceded percutaneous puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein deep within the orbit, permitting venous occlusion without complications. This case demonstrates that deep orbital puncture of the vein is feasible for occlusion of a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. Received: 14 July 2000 Accepted: 11 October 2000     

Dural arteriovenous fistula of the lesser sphenoid wing region treated with Onyx: technical note

A 45-year-old man presented with acute right orbital pain and right-sided headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral angiography revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) of the lesser sphenoid wing region. The lesion was endovascularly treated by transarterial embolization with Onyx (ethyl vinyl alcohol; Micro Therapeutics, Irvine, Calif.). We review some anatomical and therapeutic features involving DAVFs of this region and describe the feasibility of the use of Onyx in the treatment of these lesions.     

Reconstructive treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse and sigmoid sinus: transvenous angioplasty and stent deployment

Various techniques for the endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) of the transverse and sigmoid sinus have recently evolved. Transvenous coil occlusion of the involved segment and transarterial embolization of the feeding arteries with liquid agents are the commonest treatments utilized. However, with respect to venous hypertension as the probable pathogenic cause of this disorder, a nonocclusive or remodeling technique might be preferable. We will present a series involving four patients, treated with transvenous angioplasty and stent deployment as a definitive treatment of dAVFs of the transverse and sigmoid sinus. This method was used as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to previous noncurative transarterial n-butyl cyanoacrylate and particle embolization. In three of the four cases, complete occlusion of the fistula was achieved with confirmation of occlusion seen on follow-up angiographical studies. In one case a negligible and nonsymptomatic remnant of the fistula fed by the tentorial artery was left untreated. From our experience, we conclude that transvenous stent deployment is an alternative to traditional concepts. Additionally, the pathological theory of dAVFs in this region located in venous pouches of the sinus wall is supported by the fact that they can be occluded by mechanical compression during angioplasty and subsequently maintained by a stent.