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.     

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。     

Embolization of dural cavernous fistulas via superior ophthalmic vein approach.

PURPOSETo present the results of our treatment of dural cavernous sinus fistulas with surgical exposure of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), retrograde venous catheterization, and coil embolization of the cavernous sinus.METHODSTwelve patients with dural cavernous sinus fistulas were treated via a retrograde transvenous SOV approach in our hospital during a 3-year period. All patients had been referred by ophthalmologists because of secondary glaucoma and decreased visual acuity. Angiography showed preferential venous drainage of the dural cavernous sinus fistulas to an enlarged ipsilateral SOV. A total of 13 SOV exposures were performed, one patient with bilateral fistulas required bilateral treatment. The vein was surgically exposed by an ophthalmologist and then catheterized. Platinum coils were delivered through a microcatheter at the fistula site and into the root of the SOV, until there was complete angiographic closure.RESULTSCatheterization and embolization were successful in 12 of the 13 patients, with complete angiographic occlusion of the fistula. Two patients with bilateral fistulas had transient worsening of symptoms on the contralateral side. Three patients required follow-up angiography. No early complications occurred, and late complications were minor in two cases. All patients except one with long-standing symptoms recovered premorbid visual acuity. At follow-up, 11 (92%) of the 12 embolized fistulas remained occluded.CONCLUSIONSRetrograde catheterization of the SOV and embolization of the cavernous sinus with coils is a direct, safe, and efficient way to occlude dural cavernous sinus fistulas.     

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。     

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.     

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.     

Results of transvenous embolization of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula: a single-center experience with emphasis on complications and management

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To describe the results of transvenous embolizations of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistua (cDAVF) with an emphasis on identifying the incidence, characteristics, and management strategies associated with the complications of transvenous embolization of cDAVFs. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive patients who were treated by transvenous embolization for cDAVFs were reviewed. The approach routes, angiographic results, complications, and clinical outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Retrograde inferior petrosal sinus (n = 36), transfacial vein (n = 7), transcontralateral intercavernous sinus (n = 4), and direct superior ophthalmic vein (n = 3) approaches were used. Angiographic results showed complete occlusion (n = 29), nearly complete occlusion (n = 13), and incomplete occlusion (n = 14). Complications associated with the procedures were cranial nerve palsy (n = 6), venous perforation (n = 3), and brain stem congestion (n = 2). The cranial nerve signs resolved with conservative treatment. Venous perforations were managed by coil embolizations at the site of the tear with no significant neurologic sequelae. One case of brain stem congestion resulted in hemiplegia after conservative treatment. The other case showed venous congestion as a result of rerouting of the shunted flow after venous embolization that was successfully managed by covered stent deployment for occlusion of the residual feeders. Clinical follow-up data were available in 46 patients. Complete resolution or improvement of symptoms was seen in 42 patients (91%). CONCLUSIONS: Cavernous DAVFs may be effectively treated by transvenous embolization. However, the procedure can be associated with various complications, some of which can potentially result in significant morbidity. Prompt diagnosis of the complications with appropriate management strategies is mandatory for a safe procedure.     

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.     

Targeted compartmental embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae using transfemoral medial and lateral facial vein approaches

There are multiple transvenous approaches for treatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF). The choice of a specific route depends on the compartment of the cavernous sinus involved in the fistula and its venous drainage. We used two different facial vein approaches to treat patients with cavernous DAVF draining directly into the anterior compartment of the cavernous sinus and thence to the superior ophthalmic vein. Other transvenous routes to the sinus were not apparent. Embolization was targeted to the involved compartment with preservation of those not embolized. No major post-procedure ophthalmic venous engorgement occurred. We believe that ideal treatment of cavernous DAVF is targeted transvenous coil deposition, which necessitates detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the facial veins and cavernous sinus compartments.     

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.     

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 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.     

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.     

经动脉途径低浓度氰基丙烯酸正丁酯栓塞治疗海绵窦硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的 探讨经动脉途径低浓度(14%～25%)氰基丙烯酸正丁酯(NBCA)栓塞治疗海绵窦硬脑膜动静脉瘘(DCCFs)的可行性.方法 8例DCCFs患者均经动脉入路,使用微导管嵌顿技术注入低浓度NBCA行栓塞治疗.其中5例为经静脉入路栓塞失败者,3例为不可行静脉入路栓塞治疗者.结果 5例患者术后即刻血管造影DCCFs完全消失;随访6～12个月,临床症状完全消失,血管造影未发现DCCFs复发.3例患者术后即刻血管造影DCCFs残留,但血液分流量减少;随访3个月,血管造影血液分流明显减少、临床症状改善2例,血液分流和临床症状均消失1例.1例患者术后出现一过性眼部症状恶化、第Ⅵ脑神经麻痹,经治疗后3 d症状消失.结论 经动脉采用微导管嵌顿技术低浓度NBCA栓塞DCCFs是一种安全有效的方法,对于经静脉入路栓塞失败或不能经静脉入路治疗的患者,可能是一种较为理想的选择.     

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 。     

Dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus with venous congestion of the brain stem: report of two cases.

We present two cases of dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus with venous congestion of the brain stem. Both cases were detected by MR imaging and showed significant improvement on MR images after transvenous embolization.     

Magnification angiography of dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae

Summary Eleven patients with dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae were studied with selective magnification angiography. The angiographic features of this condition were analyzed in detail. The arterial plexus normally present in and around the cavernous sinus has been thought to rupture into the sinus and establish an arteriovenous fistula with an extensive dural arterial supply. Changeable angiographic and clinical findings, including spontaneous regression, can be explained on the basis of thrombosis and occlusion in the arterial network. The indications for and methods of embolization are also discussed.     

Direct carotid cavernous fistula in infancy: presentation and treatment

An 11-month-old female patient presented with symptoms of orbital venous congestion. A CT scan showed enlarged superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus on the symptomatic side. Catheter angiography confirmed a direct carotid-cavernous fistula with intra- and extracranial venous drainage. Successful coil embolization of the fistula was performed with resolution of the infant's symptoms and return of previously elevated intraocular pressures to normal. To our knowledge, no cases of carotid cavernous fistulas in infancy have been previously reported.     

Aberrant inferior petrosal sinus: unusual transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus

Two patients with vascular lesions of the cavernous sinus (CS) undergoing endovascular management are reported. During transvenous embolization an unusually low termination of the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) was observed. In both patients, we were able to catheterize the CS using this aberrant venous route. Knowledge of this variant can be crucial for a successful transvenous approach and treatment of vascular lesions involving the cavernous sinus.