Cavernous sinus dural fistulae treated by transvenous approach through the facial vein: report of seven cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dural Carotid Cavernous Fistulas (CCFs) can be treated by transarterial and/or transvenous endovascular techniques. The venous route usually goes through the internal jugular vein (IJV) and the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) up to the pathologic shunts of the cavernous sinus. In case a thrombosed IPS, catheterization through the obstructed sinus is not always possible and a puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) can be performed often after a surgical approach. We report our results in the endovascular transvenous treatment of dural CCFs through the facial vein (retrograde catheterization of the IJV, facial vein, angular vein, SOV, and cavernous sinus). METHODS: A retrospective study of seven patients with a dural CCF treated with transvenous embolization via the facial vein was performed. In five patients, the IPS was thrombosed. In one patient, the IPS was patent, but there was not communication between the cavernous sinus compartment in which the CCF shunts were located and the IPS itself. In the only patient with the CCF draining through permeable IPS, the transvenous route through the IPS permitted the occlusion of the posterior CCF shunts and a second session was performed through the facial vein in order to occlude the shunts of the anterior compartment of the cavernous sinus. The other six patients underwent one embolization session only. RESULTS: In all seven cases, it was possible to navigate through the tortuous junction of the angular vein and the SOV. In one patient with a thrombosed SOV, the venous procedure was interrupted because the catheterization through the occluded SOV failed. In the other six patients, after transvenous catheterization of the cavernous sinus via the facial vein, placement of coils resulted in complete occlusion of the dural CCF with clinical cure in four patients and improvement in two. CONCLUSION: In the endovascular treatment of the dural CCFs, the transfemoral approach via the facial vein provides a valuable alternative to other transvenous routes. Catheterization of the cavernous sinus via the facial vein is usually successful. Although this technique requires caution, it allows a safe and effective treatment of these lesions.     

Occlusion of arteriovenous malformations of the cavernous sinus via the superior ophthalmic vein

The treatment of five patients with dural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the cavernous sinus via the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is reported. The procedure was performed by transcutaneous puncture of the SOV under the guidance of real-time digital subtraction angiography. Complete resolution of the ocular symptoms was achieved in all cases. Angiograms after embolization showed complete obliteration of the malformation in four cases and partial obliteration in one. This method can cure dural AVMs of the cavernous sinus, with preservation of blood flow in the internal carotid artery. It is particularly indicated when the SOV is enlarged and when (1) dural AVMs of the cavernous sinus are fed by small branches of the internal carotid artery or direct carotid cavernous fistulas with small tears; (2) dural AVMs of the cavernous sinus are fed by multiple branches from both the internal and external carotid arteries, one or both sides; or (3) dural AVMs of the cavernous sinus or direct carotid cavernous fistulas recur after trapping of the internal carotid artery. Transcutaneous puncture and catheterization of the SOV was performed safely with the aid of digital subtraction angiography. The SOV approach was able to treat the fistula with preservation of the internal carotid artery.     

Transvenous embolization of dural caroticocavernous fistulae: technical considerations

Sixteen patients with symptomatic dural caroticocavernous fistulae were treated by transvenous embolization, via the jugular vein and inferior petrosal sinus. The fistula was occuladed by thrombogenic coils. Complete resolution of symptoms and signs was achieved in 14 patients, and complete angiographic resolution was also obtained in 14 patients. Failures to achieve angiographic cure were attributed to failure to reach the fistula within the cavernous sinus precisely. Factors which make placement of the catheter at the fistula difficult are trabeculae within the cavernous sinus, a specific configuration of the superior ophthalmic vein and venous thrombosis. To improve the efficacy of tranvenous embolization, every possible venous route to the cavernous sinus therefore should be tried, to facilitate reaching the fistula and the possibility of transvenous embolization should not be thwarted by venous thrombosis.     

经眼上静脉介入治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的 探讨眶上内侧缘切开穿刺眼上静脉介入栓塞海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘(AVF)的方法和疗效.方法 眶上内侧缘切开穿刺眼上静脉使用微弹簧圈介入栓塞海绵窦区硬脑膜AVF 16例.结果 所有患者均临床治愈,1例虽将海绵窦致密填塞,但仍有少量翼丛引流,压颈1个月后消失.栓塞术后并发症主要表现为头痛和呕吐.2例术后出现轻度复视,后自行恢复,无一例出现永久性介入相关并发症.临床随访5个月到6年,患者均无临床症状复发.结论 眶上内侧缘切开穿刺眼上静脉入路介入栓塞是海绵窦区硬脑膜动静瘘治疗安全有效的方法 之一.     

Transvenous embolization of dural fistulas involving the cavernous sinus

Because of the risks associated with arterial embolization of cavernous dural fistulas, we have sought an alternative method to promote fistula closure. Thirteen patients underwent transvenous embolization as a treatment for symptomatic cavernous dural fistulas. All procedures were performed from a femoral vein access through the inferior petrosal sinus or basilar plexus. In five patients the inferior petrosal sinus was not angiographically demonstrable; however, embolization was still possible through this route in two patients. The embolic agents used were detachable balloons in one patient, coils alone in five, coils and liquid adhesives in four, coils plus silk sutures in one, silk sutures alone in one, and liquid adhesives alone in one. Nine patients had follow-up angiograms, which showed complete obliteration of the fistulas and complete resolution of related symptoms. One patient had complete resolution of clinical symptoms but refused follow-up angiography. Another patient had 50% decrease in fistula flow on the follow-up angiogram and improvement in clinical symptoms. Two patients had complete fistula obliteration after embolization and progressive improvement in symptoms but follow-up angiograms had not been obtained. Follow-ups ranged from 1 to 97 months (mean, 15 months). Two complications were related to this treatment. An embolic stroke followed transient placement of a balloon in the internal carotid in one patient, and a second patient developed transient visual loss when the venous outflow pathways were occluded before fistula closure. The fistula was immediately closed with complete recovery of vision. With recent advances in microcatheter and embolic agent technology, transvenous closure of cavernous dural fistulas is now possible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

经静脉入路海绵窦内液体胶联合弹簧圈栓塞海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的探讨应用经静脉入路联合液体胶和弹簧圈介入栓塞海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的方法和策略。方法回顾性分析应用经静脉入路联合液体胶和弹簧圈栓塞治疗的8例海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者,包括瘘口的血管构筑学、治疗方法和疗效。结果所有患者均采用经静脉入路液体胶联合弹簧圈栓塞,其中经面静脉-眼上静脉入路1例,经岩下窦入路7例。8例均临床治愈,患者术后即刻造影提示瘘口完全消失。除术后早期头痛外无其他介入相关并发症。临床随访3个月～3年,患者无临床症状复发。结论经静脉入路应用液体胶联合弹簧圈介入栓塞对于海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘是安全、有效且经济的治疗方法 。     

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 cavernous sinus with cortical venous reflux of the posterior fossa via a bridging vein

We describe a patient who had a dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus with cortical venous reflux into the lateral mesencephalic vein and cerebellar hemispheric veins via a bridging vein connected with the basilar plexus. The fistula and reflux disappeared after transvenous embolization using interlocking detachable coils.     

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

We report a new transvenous endovascular route for treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus was approached from the contralateral pterygoid plexus and embolization of a dural fistula was performed successfully with Guglielmi detachable coils. Received: 16 June 1997 Accepted: 6 August 1997     

经眼上静脉途径栓塞治疗自发性海绵窦硬膜动静脉瘘

目的 观察填塞海绵窦（ＣＳ）,治疗海绵窦硬膜动静脉瘘的疗效。方法 经眼上静脉（ＳＯＶ）途径栓塞治疗复发性海绵窦硬膜动静脉瘘,因ＳＯＶ显著扩张、动脉化,使导管可直接插入ＣＳ,推入栓塞材料,填塞ＣＳ,治愈海绵窦硬膜动脉静脉瘘,同时又不影响同侧颈内动脉的供血。结果 ９例病人通过脑血管造影,确证为Ｂａｒｒｏｗ分类的Ｂ,Ｃ和Ｄ型瘘,经栓塞ＣＳ治疗,２个月后９例病人的症状全部消失。结论该法是自发性海绵窦硬膜动     

Transvenous embolization of direct carotid cavernous fistulas

Of 165 cases of direct carotid cavernous fistula, 14 (8.5%) were treated from a transvenous approach. Twelve of these were treated through the inferior petrosal sinus and one through the superior ophthalmic vein. In one patient, both approaches were used. The embolic agents were as follows: five patients had balloons only, four patients had minicoils alone, three patients had coils and liquid adhesives, one had balloons and coils, and one had balloons and liquid adhesives. Among the patients who were treated from a transvenous approach, three had an occluded carotid artery caused by trauma, nine failed transarterial balloon attempts, and one had a prior trapping procedure. In the remaining patient, who had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a transarterial approach was judged to be too dangerous. This patient suffered a fatal pontine hemorrhage after subtotal transvenous occlusion of the carotid cavernous fistula with diversion of flow into cortical veins. Another complication occurred when the inferior petrosal sinus was perforated during catheterization, causing a small subarachnoid hemorrhage. The tear was immediately closed with minicoils, and surgical exposure and embolization resulted in complete cure. Of the remaining 12 patients treated, 11 were completely cured and one showed angiographic and clinical improvement. Transarterial balloon embolization remains the procedure of choice in the treatment of symptomatic carotid cavernous fistulas; however, transvenous embolization is an alternative when the arterial route fails.     

Dural arteriovenous fistulas involving the inferior petrosal sinus: angiographic findings in six patients

We report the angiographic findings from six patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas of the inferior petrosal sinus and describe the clinical presentation, vascular anatomy, and embolization techniques used in the treatment of this disorder. Dural arteriovenous fistulas at this site are rare; of 105 patients diagnosed with this abnormality, only six had lesions involving the inferior petrosal sinus. The patients included three men and three women, ranging in age from 41 to 75 years. Patients presented with bruit, proptosis, abducens palsy, or loss of vision, and symptoms were present for up to 1 year prior to diagnosis. These presentations were similar to cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulas. The arterial supply in all cases was from branches of the external carotid artery and in three cases from the meningohypophyseal trunk of the internal carotid artery. Venous drainage in four patients was via the cavernous sinus to the superior ophthalmic vein. The remaining two patients had drainage primarily to the jugular bulb. In four patients treatment was performed by introducing wire coils into the fistula from the transvenous route. This approach could be used even though the inferior petrosal sinus was thrombosed. One patient, treated early in the series, had only transarterial embolization with both liquid adhesives and particulate embolic agents. One patient had an asymptomatic fistula that was not treated. All patients were cured, as evidenced both angiographically and clinically during the follow-up period. Three patients experienced complications from angiography and treatment: two had transverse sinus thrombosis and one had a transient ischemic attack.     

Dural AVFs of the cavernous sinus: transvenous embolization using a direct superficial temporal vein approach

We present an alternative endovascular approach to treat dural anterio-venous fistulas (AVFs) of the cavernous sinus that drain only into the superior ophthalmic vein. Two cases of dural AVFs of the cavernous sinus producing increased intraocular pressure and diminishing visual acuity are reported. The cavernous sinus was accessed via the direct superficial temporal vein approach through the superior ophthalmic vein. Successful embolization was documented radiographically and clinically.     

经面静脉-眼上静脉入路治疗颈动脉海绵窦瘘

目的　评价经面静脉 眼上静脉入路治疗颈动脉海绵窦瘘 (CCF)的有效性。方法 :经股静脉 面静脉 眼上静脉入路到达患侧海绵窦 ,用GDC或EDC ,游离弹簧圈 ,真丝线段等多种栓塞材料填塞海绵窦 ,同时闭塞瘘口。面静脉插管困难者 ,在下颌角附近切开皮肤显露面静脉 ,直视下穿刺面静脉放置相应导管 ,再经眼上静脉到达患侧海绵窦并将其填塞。结果 :经面静脉 眼上静脉入路对 14例、16侧海绵窦进行了栓塞治疗 ,其中 5例为外伤性、直接CCF(A型 ) ,经动脉途径球囊栓塞后复发 ,或微弹簧圈栓塞未能成功 ,或经岩下窦入路未能成功 ,9例为自发性、间接CCF(D型 8例 ,C型 1例 )。 13例经股静脉 面静脉 眼上静脉途径 ,1例通过直视下面静脉穿刺。 11例栓塞治疗后即刻造影显示瘘消失 ,2例残留低流量的岩下窦引流 ,另有 1例在微导管进入面静脉后 ,面静脉痉挛闭塞 ,未能继续进行栓塞治疗 ,造影仍见瘘存在 ,但眼静脉出现明显的造影剂滞留。 1例A型CCF在球囊栓塞后出现外展神经麻痹 ,经面静脉 眼上静脉栓塞后亦无改善。因面静脉痉挛闭塞未能栓塞成功者 ,于术后即感眼部症状加重 ,但第 2天感症状缓解 ,术后第 2 1天症状明显改善 ,造影检查发现瘘口已经消失 ,术后 1个月患者眼部症状完全消失。其他病例在栓塞术后眼部症状明显改善 ,     

Carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas and venous thrombosis

Radiographic signs of cavernous sinus thrombosis were found in eight consecutive patients with an angiographic diagnosis of carotid-cavernous sinus fistula; six were of the dural type and the ninth case was of a shunt from a cerebral hemisphere vascular malformation. Diagnostic features consisted of filling defects within the cavernous sinus and its tributaries, an abnormal shape of the cavernous sinus, an atypical pattern of venous drainage, and venous stasis. Progression of thrombosis was demonstrated in five patients who underwent follow-up angiography. Because of a high incidence of spontaneous resolution, patients with dural-cavernous sinus fistulas who show signs of venous thrombosis at angiography should be followed conservatively.     

Selective transvenous embolization of dural fistulas without occlusion of the dural sinus.

Two patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) and unsuccessful transarterial embolizations were treated with a technique for selective transvenous embolization. A 5F catheter was advanced from a femoral vein access into the internal jugular bulb and a catheter was navigated through the sinus lumen into the involved cortical veins or the parasinusal venous draining channels of the DAVFs. The venous recipients at the nidal level of the DAVFs were occluded by fibered platinum coils. Complete angiographic cure was effected in both patients, with occlusion of the venous recipients and the nidus, although the sinus segments next to the nidus of the DAVFs remained patent. Placement of coils in a transsinusal route into the venous channel of a DAVF yet outside the sinus lumen can result in complete obliteration of the fistula without damage to the physiological function of the dural sinuses.     

Superior petrosal sinus catheterization for transvenous embolization of a dural carotid cavernous sinus fistula

We report the endovascular treatment of a dural carotid cavernous fistula in a 67-year-old woman in whom superior petrosal sinus catheterization was performed to access the venous site of the fistula. To our knowledge, this retrograde venous route via the superior petrosal sinus has not been previously described.     

Transvenous embolization as the primary therapy for arteriovenous fistulas of the lateral and sigmoid sinuses.

PURPOSEWe report on the evolution in one institution from transarterial embolization for the treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the lateral and sigmoid sinuses to the safer and more durable technique of transvenous endovascular therapy for the majority of these lesions.METHODSArterial, venous, and combined embolizations were performed for 24 fistulas of the lateral and sigmoid sinuses between August 1991 and December 1996. The patients were followed up clinically for 2 to 63 months, with a mean follow-up period of 30 months.RESULTSNine patients had arterial embolization without transvenous treatment: five of the nine had angiographic and clinical obliteration of their fistulas; two of the nine, with unusual lesions, required surgery; and the remaining two had recurrences and were not retreated. Seven patients had both arterial embolization and coil embolization (packing) of the dural sinuses, four after arterial embolization had failed to cure the lesions; in all seven, the fistulas were obliterated angiographically and clinically. Eight patients had only transvenous coil embolization of the dural sinuses; all eight were cured. One patient had minimal arterial embolization during the primary venous embolization procedure. Complications occurred in two patients, both related to arterial embolization with ethanol.CONCLUSIONOur experience suggests that arterial embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the lateral and sigmoid sinuses is associated with a low cure rate and high rate of recurrence, whereas transvenous endovascular packing of the involved segment of the sinus results in a high cure rate that obviates arterial embolization or surgical excision in most cases.     

硬脑膜动静脉瘘的治疗

目的　探讨不同方法治疗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DAVF 32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。     

Endovascular Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Transverse and Sigmoid Sinuses Using Transarterial Balloon-Assisted Embolization Combined with Transvenous Balloon Protection of the Venous Sinus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Combined transarterial balloon-assisted endovascular embolization with double-lumen balloon microcatheters and concomitant transvenous balloon protection was described as a promising treatment technique for dural arteriovenous fistulae of the transverse and sigmoid sinus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficacy and safety of this combined treatment technique.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Nine consecutive patients presenting with dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses underwent combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted endovascular embolization. Prospectively collected data were reviewed to assess the technical success rate, complication rate, and clinical outcome.RESULTS:Six patients presented with clinically symptomatic Borden type I, and 3 patients, with Borden type II dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses (3 men, 6 women; mean age, 50.4 years). Transarterial embolization was performed with a double-lumen balloon with Onyx and concomitant transvenous sinus protection with a dedicated venous remodeling balloon. Complete angiographic occlusion at the latest follow-up (mean, 4.8 months) was achieved in 6 patients, and near-complete occlusion, in 2 patients. Clinical cure or remission of symptoms was obtained in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. One patient with a residual fistula underwent further treatment in which the dural arteriovenous fistula was cured by sinus occlusion. Complete occlusion of the dural arteriovenous fistula was visible on the follow-up angiography after final treatment in 8 patients. One patient refused follow-up angiography but was free of symptoms. There were no immediate or delayed postinterventional complications.CONCLUSIONS:Transarterial balloon-assisted embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses with combined transvenous balloon protection is safe and offers a high rate of complete dural arteriovenous fistula occlusion and remission of clinical symptoms.

During the past few decades, endovascular embolization has become the first-line treatment for a wide range of dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Several transarterial and transvenous endovascular approaches have been advocated. Preliminary studies on the use of double-lumen balloon microcatheters for transarterial embolization of dAVFs with Onyx (Covidien, Irvine, California) have shown encouraging results. These studies have reported high occlusion rates, reduction of reflux into the feeding artery, a reduced quantity of injected Onyx and peri-interventional time, and low complication rates.^1–9 In addition, transvenous balloon-assisted sinus protection during transarterial embolization has been reported to be another useful adjunct to the endovascular treatment of dAVFs.^10–12 Transvenous balloon protection of the recipient sinus has mainly been associated with a reduction in inadvertent occlusion of the lumen of a functioning sinus, preservation of venous patency, facilitation of occlusion of abnormal arteriovenous connections within the sinus wall and separate venous channels, and increased penetration of embolic material by retrograde reflux into other dural feeders of the fistula network. Techniques aiming to preserve the underlying sinus may have lower complication rates than sinus-occluding embolization techniques, in which the recipient venous sinus has to be sacrificed.¹³ Therefore, transarterial balloon-assisted embolization with a concomitant transvenous balloon protection technique theoretically has the advantages of both techniques combined; this combination leads to increased occlusion and reduced complication rates.The purpose of this study was to report the angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with dAVFs of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses treated with a combined approach of transarterial balloon-assisted endovascular embolization and double-lumen balloon microcatheters with concomitant transvenous balloon protection.