Transvenous embolization for dural transverse sinus fistulas with occluded sigmoid sinus

Summary Dural transverse sinus arteriovenous fistulas with cortical venous drainage were associated with a high hemorrhagic risk. Dural transverse sinus arteriovenous dural fistulas could be treated by embolization (transarterial or transvenous), surgery or a combination of both. Transvenous packing of the diseased sinus was considered to be a less invasive and effective method of treatment. Occluded sigmoid sinus proximally, especially cases with isolated transverse sinus, could make the transvenous approach difficult. Craniotomy for sinus packing or surgical excision remained the treatment of choice when the percutaneous transvenous approach was not feasible. We reviewed the techniques of transvenous embolization described in the literature and illustrated our techniques in two consecutive cases of transvenous embolization of the dural arteriovenous fistulas through the occluded sigmoid sinus. We concluded that transvenous embolization remains a safe and feasible technique other than surgery for patients with transverse sinus dural fistula, achieving a long-term occlusion of the pathology.     

Stenotic and occlusive disease of the venous drainage system of deep brain AVM's

Angiograms obtained prior to treatment in 53 cases of deep-seated cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) were retrospectively analyzed with particular attention to the topography of the AVM nidus and the venous drainage. The location of the lesion was determined by a combination of angiography and computerized tomography. Twenty-seven AVM's involved the basal ganglia and thalamus, 12 were located in the corpus callosum, six were intraventricular, and eight involved the mesencephalon and brain stem. Forty-one patients (77.3%) presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Vessel wall irregularities and/or stenosis of the system of the vein of Galen were observed in 14 cases, and occlusion of the deep venous system was present in seven cases. These AVM's showed numerous collateral venous pathways through enlarged medullary and cortical regional veins. There was dominant participation of the basal vein of Rosenthal in all cases. Unique local hemodynamic factors produced by the convergence of the draining veins of the AVM's into the vein of Galen and straight sinus may lead to a higher incidence of stenosis and/or occlusion of the venous drainage. The relatively high incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in these deep-seated AVM's may suggest a relationship between an increased incidence of intracranial bleeding and impaired venous outlets.     

Carotid-cavernous fistula treatment with ethylene vinyl alcohol (onyx) exclusively through anterior venous approach

The type of venous drainage of a direct carotid-cavernous fistula is an important issue to consider for the endovascular therapeutic decision. In case of an inadequate posterior drainage associated with a good anterior drainage, the facial vein is a useful alternative. The exclusive embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH Onyx), arterial and/or venous via the internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion has been used successfully, in a few cases until now. Nevertheless, the use of this method through anterior transvenous approach has not been previously described. Presented here is the case of a 13-year-old female patient with left posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistula, with predominant anterior drainage, as well as carrier of traumatic occlusion of the contralateral ICA. The treatment was by means of a transvenous approach with transient occlusion of the left ICA.     

Transfemoral superior ophthalmic vein approach via the facial vein for the treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas--two case reports

Two elderly female patients with carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) were treated by transvenous embolization through a transfemoral superior ophthalmic vein approach via the facial vein. Complete occlusion of CCFs was not achieved with this technique exclusively, but the technique was effective in these cases. This technique provides an alternative to other transvenous approaches for the treatment of CCFs.     

Spontaneous regression of giant arteriovenous fistulae during the perinatal period. Case report

A unique case of spontaneous regression of giant arteriovenous fistulae during infancy is described in this report. A female infant, the product of normal labor and delivery, demonstrated severe ventriculomegaly and an intracranial hemorrhage at birth. Cerebral angiography at 5 days of age revealed several large fistulae fed by the anterior and middle cerebral arteries draining into the deep venous system through a dilated internal cerebral vein and ectatic vein of Galen. Two days following the angiogram, a second intracranial hemorrhage occurred. Active hydrocephalus developed over the next 6 months and was treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunting. When the child was 8 months of age, angiography failed to demonstrate the fistulae. It was postulated that pressure effects from the intracranial hematoma and long-standing intracranial hypertension as well as stenosis in the anomalous venous outflow resulted in vascular stasis, venous thrombosis, and selective arterial occlusion. Hydrocephalus was a result of the compression of the intraventricular foramina by dilated embryonic vessels. This anomaly, predominantly involving the anterior circulation, may be homologous to the vein of Galen aneurysm in the posterior circulation.     

Surgical transvenous embolization of a carotid-cavernous dural fistula with cortical drainage via a petrosal vein: two technical case reports

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We present two interesting cases involving carotid-cavernous dural fistulae draining only or predominantly into the petrosal vein after previous incomplete, complicated, endovascular treatments. Transvenous embolization with Guglielmi detachable coils, via the petrosal vein, during surgical exposure completely obliterated the fistulae. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man manifesting left ocular symptoms after incomplete embolization of a left carotid-cavernous dural fistula and a 56-year-old woman manifesting left hemiparesis after complicated embolization of a right carotid-cavernous dural fistula were referred to our hospital. A percutaneous transvenous approach was attempted in both cases, but the catheter could not reach the fistula site. A combined open surgical and endovascular approach was then used. INTERVENTION: The hemispheric branch of the petrosal vein was exposed via a retromastoid craniectomy. The catheter was then directly introduced into the hemispheric branch, followed by navigation into the fistula site. The fistula was completely embolized with Guglielmi detachable coils. CONCLUSION: The technique of surgical transvenous embolization via a petrosal vein is a valuable alternative for the treatment of carotid-cavernous dural fistulae that drain only or predominantly into the petrosal vein, when the percutaneous transvenous route is not accessible.     

Dilatation of the vein of Galen. Anatomoclinical forms and endovascular treatment apropos of 14 cases explored and/or treated between 1983 and 1986

The authors report 14 cases of vein of Galen dilatation explored and/or treated between 1983 and 1986. Three anatomic types have been individualized: the vein of Galen arterio-venous malformation (AVM) (7 cases); the cerebral AVM with vein of Galen ectasia (6 cases); the varix of the vein of Galen without AV shunt (1 case). When an AVM is present the shunt is located either in the venous wall (vein of Galen AVM) or in the brain parenchyma; in the latter the AVM drains into a tributary of the vein of Galen (cerebral AVM with vein of Galen ectasia). However in all the 14 cases downstream to the draining vein, a venous (dural) anomaly could be demonstrated. This anomaly suggests the secondary nature of the dilatation proximal to a developmental obstacle. Clinically the vein of Galen AVM reveals early in neonates by cardiac complications; the other types are usually seen later following hydrocephalic or bleeding episodes. As far as therapeutic aspect, we can technically stabilize the hemodynamic problem, by occluding most if not all the shunts by endovascular approach, and make most of the neonates survive. However the quality of survivance and the future neurological development is impossible to predict yet. Nevertheless the short term follow-up is very encouraging. The combined per operative embolization through the vein must be exclusively reserved to vein of Galen AVM. The torcular approach is contraindicated in brain AVM with Vein of Galen ectasia. The vein of Galen varix do not require any type of morphological correction.     

Microsurgical anatomy of the lateral mesencephalic vein and its meaning for the deep venous outflow of the brain

The cerebral venous outflow consists of the superficial system and the deep draining system. The deep one drains the areas of the great vein of Galen, the two basal veins of Rosenthal, and their tributaries. Simultaneous obstruction of these veins can effect great harm. In the case of obstruction of the vein of Galen, the basal vein can ensure the venous outflow. Therefore, attention should be paid to anastomoses between the basal vein and the infratentorial venous system. The lateral mesencephalic vein (LMV) is the most important anastomosis between the supra- and infratentorial system linking the basal vein to the superior petrosal sinus. Since microanatomical studies concerning this vein have received less attention the aim of the present study was to visualize the course of this vein, its junction with the basal vein, its tributaries and its relationship with neural structures. Fifty-two cadaveric hemispheres were examined under the operating microscope. The LMV could be identified in all cases, with a mean diameter of 1.07 mm. Thorough understanding of the microanatomy of the LMV is crucial to avoid brain damage due to venous infarction during surgery, and its preservation could ensure deep venous outflow in the case of obstruction of the vein of Galen.     

A case of thrombosed aneurysm of the vein of Galen associated with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis

A case of thrombosed aneurysm of the vein of Galen associated with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis is reported. Clinical course was characterized by multiple intraparenchimatous hemorrhages and hydrocephalus. NMR showed dural sinuses thrombosis better than CT even though cerebral angiography was more effective for the diagnosis. Intracranial hypertension due to hydrocephalus was relieved with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The authors suggest that the abnormal hemodynamic patterns due to the drainage of the malformation into the vein of Galen and dural sinuses led to venous occlusion and multiple intracranial hemorrhages.     

Management of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms and occlusive disease with preferential suprarenal clamping via a midline transperitoneal incision: technique and results

Surgical management of juxtarenal aortic (JR-Ao) aneurysms and occlusive disease may include supraceliac aortic clamping, a retroperitoneal approach, or medial visceral rotation. The authors report their results using preferential direct suprarenal aortic clamping via a midline transperitoneal incision. Between July 1, 1992, and July 31, 2001, they treated 58 patients with JR-Ao disease (44 aneurysmal, 14 occlusive) via a midline incision without medial visceral rotation. Preferential suprarenal aortic clamping was used in 53 cases (42 proximal to both renal arteries, 11 proximal to the left renal artery only) and supraceliac or supramesenteric clamping in 5 cases when there was insufficient space for an aortic clamp between the superior mesenteric artery and renal arteries. This strategy avoided mesenteric ischemia associated with supraceliac clamping in the majority of cases and afforded better exposure of the right renal artery than obtainable with a left retroperitoneal approach or medial visceral rotation. Eleven patients underwent concomitant renal revascularization. Critical adjuncts included the following: (1) selective left renal vein (LRV) division if the vein stump pressure was < 35 mm Hg (suggesting sufficient renal venous collaterals existed), (2) bilateral renal artery occlusion during aortic clamping to prevent thromboembolism, (3) flushing of aortic debris before restoring renal perfusion, and (4) routine administration of perioperative intravenous mannitol and renal-dose dopamine. Patients with type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms, ruptured aneurysms, or JR-Ao disease approached via a retroperitoneal incision (severely obese patients, re-do aortic surgery) were excluded. No patients died or required dialysis during their hospital stay. The LRV was divided in 12 (21%) cases and reanastomosed in 2 cases (elevated stump pressures). The average suprarenal clamp time was 26 minutes (range, 10-60). Postoperative serum creatinine remained > 0.5 ng/dL above baseline in 3 (5%) patients. These results support suprarenal aortic clamping with a midline transperitoneal incision as the optimal strategy for treating juxtarenal aortic aneurysms and occlusive disease. The authors believe that selective left renal vein division enhances juxtarenal aortic exposure, and routine administration of renal protective agents, along with occlusion of both renal arteries during suprarenal aortic clamping, are critical adjuncts in performing these operations.     

Giant intracranial varices secondary to high-flow arteriovenous fistulae

An intracranial varix is rare and has been associated mostly with vein of Galen fistulae or arteriovenous (AV) malformations. The authors present eight cases of intracranial, pial or subpial AV fistulae with concomitant giant varices. Six were supratentorial and two were infratentorial. Only one case involved the vein of Galen. In six cases successful surgical and/or endovascular occlusion of the intracranial AV fistula was obtained, and one case was treated conservatively. Staging of surgery and postoperative hypotension were considered to be important in avoiding edema and hemorrhage following obliteration of a large AV shunt. One patient died from delayed postoperative intracerebral bleeding.     

Intracranial arteriovenous vascular lesions in children. Role of endovascular technics apropos of 44 cases

The clinical and radiological files of 44 children with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM (20 AVMs with ectasia of the vein of Galen, 21 parenchymatous or choroid AVMs without ectasia of the vein of Galen and 3 congenital dural AV fistulas) were reviewed. Clinical symptoms, architecture and the used therapy are analyzed. The only specific features of the pediatric population are the clinical systemic manifestations. In comparison to the adult population, a higher percentage of multiple lesions (20%), mostly direct AV fistulas were observed and conversely less associated arterial ectasias. Because of the high mortality associated to the natural history of these lesions in children, one must look for a complete and stable disappearance of the lesion. Among the therapeutic modalities available, embolization has proven a precise and efficient treatment. As the sole treatment, anatomic cure was obtained in 16.6% of patients; significant clinical improvement was obtained in an additional 50% of patients. The morbidity of the technique is low: 3.1% of neurologic complications (all being transitory). Embolizations associated to surgery achieved 3 more anatomic cure. The use of all these combinations allowed us to reach 79.2% of very good results (30.4% of anatomic cure). 3 cases of vein of Galen aneurysms died in our series (newborn during open surgery, one child 24 hours after thrombosis of the vein of Galen by endovascular means, a third one (newborn) one week after partial embolization as a defavorable outcome of major cardiac and hepatic insufficiency.     

Microsurgical anatomy of the great cerebral vein of Galen and its tributaries

OBJECT: The deep cerebral veins may pose a major obstacle in operative approaches to deep-seated lesions, especially in the pineal region where multiple veins converge on the great cerebral vein of Galen. Because undesirable sequelae may occur from such surgery, the number of veins and branches to be sacrificed during these approaches should kept to a minimum. The purpose of this study was to examine venous drainage into the vein of Galen with a view to surgical approaches. If a vein hampering surgical access must be sacrificed, it can therefore be selected according to the smallest draining territory. METHODS: The deep cerebral veins and their surrounding neural structures were examined in 50 cerebral hemispheres from 25 adult cadavers in which the arteries and veins had been perfused with red and blue silicone, respectively. Special consideration was given to the size and location of drainage of the vein of Galen and its tributaries. CONCLUSIONS: When a surgeon approaches the pineal region, several veins may hamper the access route. From posterior to anterior, these include the following: the superior vermian and the precentral or superior cerebellar veins, which drain into the posteroinferior aspect of the vein of Galen; and the tectal and pineal veins, which drain into its anterosuperior aspect. The internal occipital vein is the main vessel draining into the lateral aspect of the vein of Galen. It may be joined by the posterior pericallosal vein, and in that case has an extensive territory. To avoid intraoperative venous infarction, it is important to use angiography to determine the venous organization before surgery and to estimate the permeability and size of the branches of the deep venous system.     

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.     

Falcotentorial meningioma: surgical outcome in 14 patients

OBJECT: The authors evaluated their surgical experience over 20 years with 14 treated falcotentorial meningiomas. METHODS: In the past 20 years, 14 patients with falcotentorial junction meningiomas were surgically treated. There were seven men and seven women, whose ages ranged from 34 to 79 years. On the basis of neuroimaging studies, the authors analyzed the influence of the anatomical relationship of the tumor to the vein of Galen, patency of the vein of Galen, tumor size, and the signal intensities on the magnetic resonance images to determine possible difficulties that might be encountered during surgery and to prognosticate the outcome of surgery. Depending on the relationship with the vein of Galen, tumors were labeled as either a superior or an inferior type. All tumors were resected via an occipital transtentorial approach. The surgical outcome in eight patients was excellent; in the remaining six patients, it was fair. Of the prognostic factors, tumor location especially seemed to be the most important (p < 0.01, Fisher exact test). The outcome associated with the inferior type of tumor was significantly less optimal probably due to the relationship to the deep veins and the brainstem. In this series, the occlusion of deep veins did not significantly influence outcome. CONCLUSIONS:. Classification of the tumor location by preoperative neuroimaging studies can be helpful in estimating the surgical difficulty that might be encountered in treating the falcotentorial junction meningioma.     

Intracerebral arteriovenous fistulas associated with intraparenchymal varix in childhood: case reports

This report describes three children, each of whom developed an unusual malformation consisting of one or more intracerebral arteriovenous fistulas and a large intraparenchymal venous varix. Their clinical symptoms were similar to those produced by aneurysms of the vein of Galen: increasing head circumference, seizures, hemorrhage, and developmental delay. We treated each child with endovascular embolization and/or surgery and obtained complete closure of all fistulas without mortality.     

Chronic venous occlusions in haemodialysis shunts: efficacy of percutaneous treatment

PURPOSE.: The efficacy of percutaneous treatment of chronic venous occlusionsin haemodialysis fistulae was retrospectively analysed. MATERIALS AND METHOD.: In 33 cases, percutaneous treatment of chronic venous occlusionswas attempted. The type of shunt was an autologous arteriovenousfistula in 23 cases and a PTFE implant graft in 10 cases. Thelesion involved forearm veins in six cases, an upper arm veinin 15 cases, and a central vein in 12 cases. The mean lengthof the occlusion was 7.4±5 cm with a range from 2 to25 cm. Fresh thrombus material in addition to the chronic occlusionwas present in five cases. The patients were referred for chronicshunt dysfunction in 29 cases and with acute shunt thrombosiswith an underlying chronic venous occlusion in four cases. RESULTS.: Mechanical recanalization succeeded in 27 of 33 occlusions (82%).In one further patient, direct recanalization failed but analternative improved drainage was created by detouring the mainvenous outflow tract by the use of a stent. Immediate clinicalsuccess was therefore 85%. Simple balloon dilatation was usedin 11 of 27 cases (41%). Additional stent implantation becamenecessary in 16 of 27 cases (59%). In 15 patients an event ofreobstruction occurred during follow-up. Mean primary cumulativepatency was 85% after treatment, 41% after 6 months, and 24%after 2 years. By use of reintervention shunt function was maintainedat 74% up to 2 years. CONCLUSIONS.: Percutaneous treatment of chronic venous occlusions is technicallyfeasible with a success similar to treatment of stenotic lesions.Follow-up results do not show impaired follow-up data for thattype of obstruction.     

Surgery for giant intracranial aneurysms using advanced technology

PURPOSE: Outcome of surgery for giant intracranial aneurysms is still unsatisfactory. The reason for complications is occlusion of perforators or parent arteries by the aneurysmal clipping itself or temporary occlusion of the main arteries. We report the surgical outcome of treatment of giant aneurysms using several advanced techniques which we devised to prevent these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were eight patients with giant intracranial aneurysms who underwent surgery during the recent five years. Six patients had ruptured and two had unruptured aneurysms. Aneurysms were located at the ICA in five and the MCA in three patients. Aneurysmal sizes ranged from 25 to 50 mm. Preoperative 3DCTA was performed to investigate the aneurysm and the surrounding vessels in all cases. Patients with unruptured aneurysms at the ICA underwent balloon occlusion tests to check the potential for safe temporary occlusion of the parent artery, with SEP monitoring and Xe-SPECT. Intraoperative angiography and neuroendoscopes were used to prevent problems and complications which might be caused by aneurysmal clipping. RESULTS: In seven of eight cases, the aneurysmal neck was completely obliterated with clips and in one case the aneurysm was trapped with STA-MCA anastomosis. Glasgow Outcome Scale of the patients showed good recovery in six, moderately disabled (MD) in one and dead in one. The patient demonstrating MD developed hemiparesis due to vasospasm. One patient died from rebleeding of the aneurysm caused by slippage of the aneurysmal clip despite the confirmation of complete obliteration by intraoperative angiography. CONCLUSIONS: A better surgical outcome of treatment for giant aneurysms was obtained by temporary clips whose placement was based on the results of balloon occlusion test, as well as the use of intraoperative angiography and neuroendoscopes.     

大隐静脉耻骨上交叉转流术治疗髂股静脉闭塞症的临床分析

目的：探讨大隐静脉耻骨上交叉转流术治疗髂股静脉闭塞症的临床价值。方法：回顾性分析山东省立医院血管外科2006年3月—2010年9月收治的23例髂股静脉闭塞症患者,均行大隐静脉耻骨上交叉转流术。结果：随访18例,随访率78.26%,随访时间2～54个月,平均25个月。15例临床症状缓解3,例临床症状无改善,总有效率83.33%。13例转流大隐静脉通畅,5例转流大隐静脉闭塞。结论：在严格掌握适应证的情况下,大隐静脉耻骨上交叉转流术治疗髂股静脉闭塞症不失为一种有效的治疗方法。     

Occlusion of the great vein of Galen associated with a huge meningioma in the pineal region. Case report

The authors report a case in which the great vein of Galen was occluded during removal of a huge meningioma in the pineal region. The patient recovered satisfactorily without any serious neurological deficits after the operation. Preoperative angiography had shown marked stenosis of the great vein of Galen and anastomoses between the deep and the superficial venous systems. Occlusion of the great vein of Galen may be well tolerated in particular cases if this vein is already compromised.