Transarterial Onyx embolization of sagittal sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae

We report four patients (1 woman and 3 men) with sagittal sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) treated by Onyx embolizations via the middle meningeal artery. Anatomic cure and clinical cure were achieved in all the patients. The fistulae were located in the middle and posterior parts of the sagittal sinus. By Cognard classification the fistulae were: type I - one, type IIb - one, and type IV -two. All these four patients underwent a clinical and angiography follow-up, which confirmed complete cure. Based on this experience, we hypothesize that sagittal sinus DAVFs can be cured using a transarterial endovascular approach.     

大鼠硬脑膜动静脉瘘模型的建立与血管内皮生长因子的表达

目的建立大鼠硬脑膜动静脉瘘(dAVF) 模型;探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在dAVF形成过程中的作用。方法采用改良Herman方法制作36只Wistar雄性大鼠dAVF模型,将右侧颈总动脉心脏端和颈外静脉头端做端-端吻合,结扎上矢状窦,同时结扎左侧横窦流出静脉。大鼠分为对照组(n= 12);A组VEGF表达组(n= 12),2周后与6只对照组大鼠分别取出硬脑膜做VEGF免疫组织化学染色;B组脑血管造影组(n= 12),90 d后与6只对照组大鼠分别行脑血管造影。结果对照组中极少表达VEGF,脑血管造影无阳性变化;A组7只(58%)大鼠硬脑膜VEGF染色阳性;B组5只(41%)大鼠可见面部、上矢状窦旁或横窦旁发生dAVF。结论在慢性静脉压增高状态下硬脑膜血管中VEGF开始表达,并可能与血管生成及dAVF的发生、发展有重要关系。     

Dural fistulae of the tentorium cerebelli. Radioanatomical, clinical and therapeutic considerations

Among the 84 intracranial dural fistulae treated in the Neuroradiology department of the University Hospital Centre of Nancy between August 1983 and April 1990, 10 (11.9%) were located on the tentorium cerebelli. The patients were 7 men and 3 women aged from 41 to 61 years at the time of diagnosis. All tentorial dural fistulae showed an exclusively cortical drainage, and only one of them was associated with probable thrombosis of a major sinus. Nine patients presented with at least one episode of neurological deficit (including 2 with progressive ascending myelopathy) associated with a cerebro-meningeal haemorrhage in 6 cases. In all patients the initial treatment was an endovascular one, subsequently reinforced by surgery in 2 patients. In every case the clinical condition was improved or stabilized and no recurrent haemorrhage was observed, but radioanatomical cure was obtained in only 3 patients: 1 treated by the endovascular route and 2 by embolization combined with surgery. The anatomical, physiopathological and clinical aspects of these particular fistulae and the different possible therapeutic approaches are discussed.     

Cerebral venous thrombosis presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage after spinal anesthesia

A 22-year-old male had a meniscopathy operation using spinal anesthesia. After the operation, the patient reported a throbbing headache. His brain computed tomography (CT) showed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and hyperdense dural venous sinuses suspicious for thrombosis. Filling defects were observed in the superior sagittal and right transverse sinuses on the contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images. The patient was diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). On the tenth day of his admission, his clinical findings progressed and heparin therapy was initiated after resorption of hemorrhage was observed in a second non-contrast CT scan. The patient developed decreased consciousness the day after heparin administration. A subsequent brain CT revealed intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the right anteroinferior frontal region. Heparin therapy was discontinued, and anti-edema therapy was started. The presentation of CVST with SAH is a rare condition. Furthermore, development of CVST after spinal anesthesia is very rare. In this case, CVST developed after spinal anesthesia, and its first clinical presentation was SAH. To our knowledge, this is the first case CVST presenting with SAH after spinal anesthesia.     

Evolution of angiographic signs of venous hypertension and clinical signs of intracranial hypertension in intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas]

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) can cause cerebral venous hypertension (VHT). The most common mechanism is due to the fact that some dAVFs can drain retrogradelly in cortical (better defined as leptomeningeal) veins (directly or after drainage in a dural sinus) causing venous engorgement and consequently an impairment of the cerebral venous drainage. However, more rarely, dAVFs without a cortical venous drainage can also be responsible for VHT probably due to dAVF shunts causing insufficient antegrade cerebral venous drainage. In addition, dAVFs are often associated with stenosis and/or thrombosis of dural sinus(es) which can worsen the VHT. Raised pressure within the superior sagittal sinus causes impeded cerebrospinal reabsorption in the arachnoid villi allowing increased intracranial pressure. The venous engorgement in the cortical veins can cause a venous congestive encephalopathy analogous to the venous congestive myelopathy of the spinal dural AVFs. Clinically VHT can cause not only symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure but also seizures, neurological deficits, impairment of the cognitive functions and dementia. An important aspect is the risk of hemorrhage in dAVFs with a leptomeningeal venous drainage leading to VHT. Although the term VHT sensu strictu should be used if venous pressure measurements are performed, angiographic criteria for VHT such as delayed circulation time, venous engorgement and abnormal visualization of the cerebral veins are well established. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the angiographic signs of VHT in patients with dAVF and to study the course of the VHT and of the clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure before and after dAVF endovascular treatment. A retrospective chart analysis of 22 patients (13 males, 9 females) ranging in age from 20 to 87 years (mean: 53 ys.) with a dAVF associated with angiographic signs of VHT was performed. Ten dAVFs were located on the transverse/sigmoid sinus(es), 6 on the superior sagittal sinus, 3 on the petro-tentorial incisura, 1 on the inferior petrosal sinus, 1 on the anterior ethmoidal region and 1 on the Galen vein region. All dAVFs had a retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage. Stenosis or thrombosis of the dural AVF sinus was observed in 17 cases and stenosis or thrombosis of another sinus(es) and/or of the jugular vein in 8 cases. In 11 patients, the angiographic signs of VHT were global affecting the entire cerebral venous drainage and, in the other 11 patients, the VHT was focal. The VHT caused clinical symptoms of increased intracranial pressure in 18 patients. Other clinical findings included: bruit (11 cases), seizures (3 cases), vertigo (3 cases), visual deficits (2 cases) and impairment of cognitive functions (4 cases). Three patients presented hemorrhage (one parenchymal hematoma, one hemorrhagic infarction and one subarachnoid hemorrhage). The 4 patients without clinical symptoms of increased intracranial pressure presented only bruit in 2 cases, bruit and vertigo in 1 case, bruit and hemorrhagic infarction in another one. The dAVFs were treated by endovascular therapy (arterial approach: 3 cases, venous approach: 6 cases and both arterial and venous approach: 13 cases). Endovascular sessions ranged from 1 to 7 (mean: 2.8) for each patient. After the endovascular treatment, in 12 patients with complete occlusion of the dAVF, the disappearance of angiographic signs of VHT and clinical cure were observed. In 8 patients with partial occlusion of the dAVF, the disappearance of angiographic signs of VHT and clinical cure were observed in 4 cases (almost complete dAVF occlusion in 2 cases); in the other 4 cases, only reduction the angiographic signs of VHT and clinical improvement were obtained. In all 16 patients who were clinically cured angiographic signs of VHT disappeared despite the persistence of dAVF shunts as observed in 4 cases. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)     

A Case of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of Superior Sagittal Sinus after Tamoxifen Treatment for Breast Cancer

We are reporting an unusual case of dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) after tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer. A 30-year-old female arrived at the emergency room with a sudden headache and left sided weakness and sensory loss. In her past medical history, she was diagnosed with breast cancer 1 year prior, and subsequently underwent a breast conserving mastectomy with whole breast radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy with tamoxifen. At the time of admission, computed tomography showed a small acute intracerebral hemorrhage at the right parietal cortex, and magnetic resonance imaging showed that a dural AVF at the SSS with a prominent and tortuous venous enhancement along the centrum semiovale was present. Cerebral angiography showed that the dural AVF at the mid-portion of the SSS with meningeal arterial feeding vessels entering the wall of the SSS, then draining through the dilated cortical veins. Our patient had no signs of active malignancy or any abnormalities in her coagulation profile, so it can be concluded that the tamoxifen was the likely cause of the SSS thrombosis and dural AVF. The dural AVF was treated by an endovascular coil embolization for the arterialized segment of the SSS. The patient dramatically recovered favorably from left side motor and sensory deficit. The best clinical approach is to screen potential patients of tamoxifen hormonal therapy and educate them on the sign and symptoms of life threatening thromboembolic events while taking tamoxifen.     

Angioplasty and stent deployment in acute sinus thrombosis following endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae

We report on the successful treatment of acute sinus thrombosis associated with endovascular treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) by sinus angioplasty with stent deployment. A 76-year-old man presented with intracerebral hemorrhage, Cognard type IIa+b DAVF of the left sigmoid sinus, and type IIa DAVF of the torcular herophili. During transvenous sinus embolization, acute thrombosis of the stenotic lesion in the left transverse sinus occurred. The thrombosis caused isolated sinus and cortical venous reflux (CVR). The patient was treated by stent-supported sinus angioplasty, which led to an immediate improvement of the sinus thrombosis and associated CVR.     

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spontaneous Venous Infarction and Cortical Hemorrhage Complicating Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an abnormal arteriovenous shunt that occurs in the dura matter within or near a dural sinus. The clinical manifestations vary. The authors report herein a rare case of type III DAVF presenting with coexisting intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and venous infarction evidenced by computed tomography (CT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Conventional angiography proved that the right middle meningeal artery and the occipital artery supplied the DAVF, with direct drainage into the cortical veins and superior sagittal sinus.     

球囊辅助栓塞硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的评估球囊辅助栓塞硬脑膜动静脉瘘的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2010年10月至2012年8月收治的17例硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者的临床资料,其中位于横窦、乙状窦区11例,颈静脉孔区4例,上矢状窦区2例;均行球囊辅助栓塞硬脑膜动静脉瘘;6例经动脉途径栓塞,3例经静脉途径栓塞,8例经动脉及静脉相结合途径栓塞。结果 17例患者中,栓塞后即刻造影复查示,瘘口完全消失11例,部分消失6例。17例病人随访3个月~2年,无加重及复发者;瘘口完全消失13例,部分消失4例。结论球囊辅助栓塞硬脑膜动静脉瘘是一种安全、有效的方法。     

Endovascular treatment of dural sinus thrombosis with rheolytic thrombectomy and intra-arterial thrombolysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare entity that can be difficult to manage. Intrasinus thrombolysis is an increasingly applied intervention, but this modality carries an increased risk of hemorrhage. We describe for the first time an option with a potentially lower incidence of intracranial bleeding, the combination of the AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy catheter with intra-arterial thrombolysis, in 2 patients with extensive dural sinus thromboses, preexisting intracranial hemorrhage, and severe progressive neurological deficits despite heparin therapy. METHODS: Four procedures were performed in 2 patients with thromboses in the superior sagittal and transverse sinuses (right in 1 patient and bilateral in 1 patient) and cortical veins. Rheolytic thrombectomy was performed in the sigmoid, transverse, straight, and superior sagittal sinuses; this technique involves the use of the Bernoulli effect to create a vacuum that fragments and aspirates thrombus. For associated persistent cortical vein thromboses, low-dose intra-arterial thrombolysis was used. RESULTS: Both patients had excellent angiographic results with sinus reopening after rheolytic thrombectomy and cortical vein reopening after intra-arterial thrombolysis. Follow-up CT showed no change in 1 patient and increased preexisting intracranial hemorrhage in the other. One patient had a negative hypercoagulable workup, and the other patient had probable anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome. At 6 months, both patients had excellent clinical outcome with no neurological deficits except mild short-term memory loss in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of rheolytic thrombectomy with intra-arterial thrombolysis is a treatment modality that allows accelerated recanalization of occluded dural sinuses and cerebral veins with lower doses of thrombolytic agents.     

Embolization of indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula through the ophthalmic vein

Indirect or dural carotid cavernous fistulas are abnormal connections between the cavernous sinus and meningeal branches of the external and/or internal carotid arteries. Most of them are idiopathic and occurs spontaneously. Symptoms vary from a tiny episcleral injection to a severe visual loss. Conservative therapy is recomended in cases with few symptoms and no leptomeningeal drainage, as spontaneous resolution is not infrequent. Whenever symptoms worsen, treatment of the fistula should be prescribed. Nowadays, transvenous endovascular treatment consisting of packing the cavernous sinus is the first choice. In most cases, cavernous sinus can be approached through the inferior petrosal sinus. However, sometimes that is not possible, and an approach directly through the superior ophthalmic vein could be necessary. We report a case of a patient with a dural carotid cavernous fistula treated with embolization of the cavernous sinus through the ophthalmic vein.     

双骨窗开颅术治疗骑跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿的临床研究

目的探讨骑跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿的手术治疗的方法及预后。 方法选择自2000~2013年间在绍兴市中心医院神经外科收治的45例骑跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿病例的临床资料、手术方式及预后进行回顾性分析。其中23例患者采用上矢状窦旁的单骨窗开颅,窦旁硬脑膜悬吊加明胶海绵填塞止血,22例进行了上矢状窦旁的双骨窗开颅,矢状窦上保留骨桥后硬脑膜悬吊止血。 结果上矢状窦旁的单骨窗开颅组,恢复良好10例,轻度残疾4例,重度残疾4例,植物生存2例,死亡3例。上矢状窦旁的双骨窗开颅组恢复良好15例,轻度残疾5例,重度残疾1例,植物生存0例,死亡1例。两组的治疗效果双骨窗组好于单骨窗组,差异有统计学意义(Z=21.798,P=0.031) 结论骑跨上矢状窦的硬膜外血肿掌握好合适的手术适应证、手术方式,可获得满意的疗效。上矢状窦旁的双骨窗开颅可明显提高手术效果。     

Dural arteriovenous malformation in the anterior cranial fossa.

Two cases of dural arteriovenous malformation (AVM) at the base of the anterior cranial fossa are described. In both cases an intracerebral hematoma following the rupture of the AVM was the first indication of the disease. In one case, the malformation was supplied both by the anterior ethmoidal artery and frontopolar artery draining into the superior sagittal sinus. In the second case, the right anterior ethmoidal artery with draining veins into the superior sagittal sinus and sphenoparietal sinus was the feeding vessel. Surgical evacuation of the hematoma and excision of the malformation was performed on both patients. The typical clinical signs and radiological findings are described. A review of the pertinent literature is given.     

Surgical treatment of high grade dural arteriovenous fistulae

Dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF) with direct cortical venous drainage (CVD, Borden Type III) have a high risk of hemorrhage, particularly when symptomatic. Stereotactic radiosurgery is therefore not recommended, and endovascular treatment can be limited by access, incomplete obliteration, and recanalization. Of 70 cerebral dAVF seen at our institution over the past 8 years, 35 were Borden Type III (50%). Twenty-four were treated via microsurgery (69%). Presentation included hemorrhage in nine patients (38%), nonhemorrhagic neurologic deficits in five (21%), asymptomatic in five (21%), headache in three (13%), and seizure in two patients (8%). Only eight of 19 patients with symptomatic dAVF were independent (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2) preoperatively (42%). The dAVF location was tentorial in six patients (25%), petrosal in six (25%), superior sagittal sinus in four (17%), torcular in two (7%), floor of the anterior fossa in two (7%), and sphenoid ridge, transverse-sigmoid, inferior sagittal sinus and jugular in one patient each (4%). Four patients had failed endovascular therapy (17%). The angiographic obliteration rate was 96%. The combined permanent morbidity and mortality rate was 17%. After a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, 13 patients improved (54%), seven were the same, (29%) and four were worse (17%). Thirteen patients were asymptomatic (mRS 0, 54%), and 18 were independent (mRS 0–2, 75%). Our results reinforce that surgical treatment of dAVF with direct CVD is associated with a high angiographic cure rate with acceptable morbidity and mortality, particularly in light of the lesions’ natural history.     

Multidisciplinary treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae with radiosurgery and embolization.

OBJECTIVE: With the advent of interventional neuroradiology and stereotactic radiosurgery, dural arteriovenous fistulae are less often managed with open surgery. We evaluated the outcome of dural arteriovenous fistulae of the cavernous sinus treated with a combination of radiosurgery and embolization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty dural arteriovenous fistulae located in the cavernous sinus were enrolled in our study. Fifteen patients received X-knife radiosurgery alone and 5 also required embolization, one before radiosurgery and 4 after radiosurgery. The mean volume of the lesions was 2.8 ml (range 0.2-12.6), the corresponding radiation volume was 6.5 ml (range 0.6-24.6), and the conformity index was 2.9 (range 1.8-5.3). The mean peripheral and maximum radiation dose was 17.8 Gy (range 17-20) and 28.3 Gy (range 19-37) Gy, respectively. The clinical and imaging data were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 29 months (23-39). Seventy-five percent (15/20) of patients receiving radiosurgery alone achieved a symptomatic cure and with additional embolization 90% (18/20) were cured. All patients achieved cure on imaging after radiosurgery alone or in combination with embolization. Abnormal imaging findings were observed in two patients after treatment, one had an intracerebral hemorrhage and the other radiation edema, but both were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: With multidisciplinary treatment with combined radiosurgery and embolization, satisfactory results can be achieved for dural arteriovenous fistulae with a low complication rate. In patients with mild symptoms, radiosurgery is the initial treatment option. Embolization should be performed in patients with severe symptoms or who have failed radiosurgery.     

Dural arteriovenous malformation with abnormal parenchymal vessels: an autopsy study

Summary A 48-year-old man with dural arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is reported. Radiologically, the dural AVM was demonstrated mainly in the region of the left transverse sinus. Postmortem examination revealed dural AVM involving the bilateral transverse, superior sagittal and straight sinuses. In addition, numerous malformed venous vessels and extensive necrosis were observed mainly in the parenchyma of the brain stem and cerebellum. The present case suggests that dural AVMs may be associated with malformed venous vessels in the brain parenchyma.     

Intracranial dural venous anomalies in familial cervical cystic hygroma

This report describes a 3-year-old male with a familial cervical cystic hygroma and intracranial dural venous abnormalities consisting of a falcine sinus between the superior sagittal and the straight sinus with a rudimentary posterior part of the superior sagittal sinus; a prominent occipital sinus with narrowed transverse sinuses; and no intraparenchymal vascular abnormality. We hypothesize that a genetic factor that resulted in familial cervical cystic hygromas may also have caused the intracranial dural venous anomalies.     

“S”形切口+跨窦骨瓣开颅术治疗跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿的疗效

目的 探讨“S”形切口+跨窦骨瓣开颅术治疗跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2017年12月至 2019年12月收治的19例跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿的临床资料。术前行颅脑冠状位、矢状位CT及颅骨三维重建,根据影像学所示行“S”形皮瓣+跨窦骨瓣开颅术。结果 术中见顶骨凹陷性骨折7例,颞顶骨骨折15例,其中骨折线跨上矢状窦12例;上矢状窦出血12例,骨折板障出血3,导静脉及硬膜血管出血4例;术后24~72 h多次复查头部CT,显示硬膜外血肿完全清除,无再出血。出院时按GOS评分评估预后:恢复良好14例,中残3例,重残1例,植物生存1例。术后随访3~24个月无血肿复发。结论 采用“S”形切口+跨窦骨瓣开颅术治疗跨上矢状窦硬膜外血肿,能有效地止血并处理上矢状窦损伤,同时避免上矢状窦受压,术后再出血风险低,并发症少,疗效好。     

海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的临床表现及血管内介入治疗

目的 探讨海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的临床症状及血管内介入治疗的方法和疗效.方法 分析收治的16例海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者临床资料,并对其临床症状、血管内介入治疗方法及疗效进行总结分析.结果 16例患者眼部充血表现(或合并突眼)13例,单纯突眼1例,颞部杂音2例,蛛网膜下腔出血1例.6例单纯南动脉途径应用NBCA进行栓塞,术后瘘口即刻闭塞3例;1例有瘘口残留,随访2个月后症状完全消失;另外2例瘘口残留,但症状明显好转.8例进行了单纯静脉入路栓塞,其中2例应用ONYX和弹簧圈进行栓塞,完全闭塞瘘口;2例分别合并有术后动眼神经和外展神经麻痹,前者术后1个月好转;5例单纯进行了ONYX栓塞:1例由动静脉联合入路进行栓塞,瘘口完全闭塞,1例因瘘口细小进行了颈动脉压迫并观察随访,术后2个月瘘口更加细小,术后3例患者出现眼部并发症,1例为动眼神经麻痹,1个月后好转,1例为复视并外展神经麻痹,1例为结膜充血,眼球疼痛不适,后好转.结论 海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘临床表现复杂多变.血管内介入治疗是海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘安全、有效的治疗方法.经动脉入路栓塞,瘘口闭塞率低于静脉入路,但术后眼部并发症发生率亦低,静脉入路瘘口闭塞率高,但应注意防止眼部并发症发生.