A Damp-and-Push Technique for the Copolymer (Onyx) Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

BackgroundCopolymer (Onyx) embolization is an effective treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), however, some dAVFs have multiple, high-flow feeding vessels, resulting in insufficient embolization. For the treatment of such patients, we have developed a novel flow-control technique, the ‘damp-and-push technique’. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficiency and safety of this technique.MethodsSeven patients who had been diagnosed with intracranial dAVF were treated by transarterial Onyx embolization using the damp-and-push technique between 2016 and 2019. This technique was designed to reduce blood flow to the shunt site using a balloon catheter in the major feeding vessel other than the one injected with Onyx, leading to better Onyx penetration and enabling more controlled embolization of complex dAVFs. Retrospectively collected data were reviewed to assess the occlusion rates and clinical outcomes.ResultsThe dAVF was at a transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus junction in four patients, in the superior sagittal sinus in two, and in the tentorium in one. Five cases were Cognard type Ⅱb and two cases were Cognard type Ⅳ. All the patients were treated by transarterial Onyx injection via the main feeding vessel, combined with flow reduction in the other main feeding vessel using a balloon catheter. Complete occlusion was achieved in six patients and elimination of cerebral venous reflux was achieved in all the patients. There were no immediate or delayed post-interventional complications.ConclusionsTransarterial Onyx embolization of dAVF using the damp-and-push technique is safe and yields a high complete occlusion rate.     

Clinical and angiographic results of patients with dural arteriovenous fistula

Endovascular embolization has been regarded as the primary treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). The aim of this study was to describe our experience with treatment and outcomes for patients with dural AVF, and to determine optimal treatment modalities. Between November 2007 and March 2011, 43 patients with dAVF (14 cavernous sinus, 20 transverse-sigmoid sinus, and nine patients with other types) were admitted to our Institute for treatment. For cavernous sinus dAVF, transvenous embolization was attempted as the first-line treatment with residual AVF obliterated by transarterial embolization (TAE), except for three patients who were treated conservatively. For transverse-sigmoid sinus dAVF, TAE was the primary treatment method. Nine of 14 (64.3%) patients with cavernous sinus dAVF had complete angiographic resolution. For transverse-sigmoid sinus dAVF, 14 of 17 (82.4%) patients were treated by TAE using Onyx Liquid Embolic System (eV3 Neurovascular, Irvine, CA, USA). Nine of these patients (64.3%) were angiographically cured or improved clinically with no serious complications, and the other five (35.7%) patients showed significant reductions in arteriovenous shunt. The other nine dAVF were treated by TAE or surgical disconnection depending upon the accessibility of the lesion and risk of complications. Six of nine (66.7%) patients had complete angiographic obliteration or clinical improvement. With developments in diagnostic tools and endovascular interventions, dAVF have become an important neurovascular issue. The results of this study suggest that a new approach to treatment of dAVF is needed.     

Cognitive Decline and Hypersomnolence: Thalamic Manifestations of a Tentorial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (dAVF)

Background

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) often present with pulsatile tinnitus, orbital congestion, and headache. Occasionally, they present with focal neurologic deficits, a dementia-like syndrome, hemorrhage, or ischemic infarction.

Methods

This study is based on the case of a 71-year-old gentleman who presented with 6 months of progressive forgetfulness, inattention, and hypersomnolence. Four weeks prior to presentation, he developed symptoms of left-sided pain, numbness, and worsening weakness. Neurologic examination demonstrated hypersomnolence, a score of 30/38 on the Kokmen Short Test of Mental Status, and left hemiparesis. MRI brain revealed bilateral thalamic T2 hyperintensities with associated enhancement. MR venogram (MRV) showed a vascular malformation in the posterior fossa and occlusion of the straight sinus. Conventional cerebral angiogram confirmed a tentorial dAVF. The dAVF was definitively treated with transarterial embolization, followed by clip ligation of the arterialized draining vein. Twelve weeks later, there was clinical resolution of left hemiparesis and improvement in cognitive status. MRI revealed complete resolution of the thalamic hyperintensities. MRV demonstrated recanalization of the straight sinus.

Results

Intracranial dAVFs are uncommon but potentially life-threatening acquired vascular malformations. The initiating factor is venous hypertension, causing retrograde flow, venous congestion, ischemia, and sometimes infarction. The spectrum of clinical manifestations in dAVFs reflects the degree of venous congestion present. If retrograde venous flow is surgically obliterated, then venous hypertension may be reversible. Bilateral thalamic venous congestion can present as a thalamic dementia.

Conclusion

We conclude that intracranial dAVFs with thalamic venous congestion should be considered in the diagnostic differential for patients who present with subacute cognitive decline and T2 hyperintense thalamic signal change.     

Spontaneous Carotid Cavernous Fistula in a Case with Protein S Deficiency that Newly Developed Ophthalmoplegia after Embolization

Background

Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The pathogenesis of spontaneous CCF remains unclear, although sinus thrombosis is known to be a predisposing factor for dural arteriovenous fistula. Because spontaneous CCFs are mainly of the dural type, we considered that thrombogenic conditions, such as, protein S deficiency might be associated with CCF.

Case Report

A 42-year-old woman complained of conjunctival injection and retro-orbital pain that first appeared 1-month before visiting our hospital. She had no history of head trauma or intracranial surgery. Exophthalmos and chemosis were observed in her left eye, which also had lower visual acuity and higher intraocular pressure than the right eye. Magnetic resonance images and cerebral angiography revealed a left dural CCF. Her protein S was low, at 41% (normal range: 70-140%), but other hematologic values related to coagulation were normal. Her symptoms were relieved after initial transvenous coil embolization. However, a newly developed sixth-nerve palsy was detected 4 days after initial embolization. Follow-up angiography revealed a minimal shunt, and thus transvenous coil embolization was repeated. Two days later, the ophthalmoplegia started reducing, and 1-month later it had almost disappeared.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous dural CCF in a Korean patient with concurrent protein S deficiency. Interestingly, transient sixth-nerve palsy developed after transvenous coil embolization in this patient. This additional symptom caused by the residual fistula was relieved after additional transarterial embolization.     

Covered Stents for the Endovascular Treatment of a Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula : Single Center Experiences with 10 Cases

Objective

Covered stent has been recently reported as an effective alternative treatment for direct carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCFs). The purpose of this study is to describe our experiences with the treatment of DCCF with covered stents and to evaluate whether a covered stent has a potential to be used as the first choice in selected cases.

Methods

From February 2009 through July 2013, 10 patients underwent covered stent placement for a DCCF occlusion. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Covered stent placement was performed for five patients primarily as the first choice and in the other five as an alternative option. Access and deployment of a covered stent was successful in all patients (100%) and total occlusion of the fistula was achieved in nine (90%). Complete occlusion immediately after the procedure was obtained in five patients (50%). Endoleak persisted in five patients and the fistulae were found to be completely occluded by one month control angiography in four. The other patient underwent additional coil embolization by a transvenous approach. Balloon inflation-related arterial dissection during the procedure was noted in two cases; healing was noted at follow-up angiography. One patient suffered an asymptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion noted seven months post-treatment.

Conclusion

Although endoleak is currently a common roadblock, our experience demonstrates that a covered stent has the potential to be used as the first choice in DCCF; this potential is likely to increase as experience with this device accumulates and the materials continue to improve.     

Diagnosis and treatment of dural carotid-cavernous fistulas: a consecutive series of 27 patients

Objectives

To report clinical characteristics, angiographical findings and results of endovascular treatment of patients presenting with dural carotid–cavernous fistulas (DCCFs).

Method

Retrospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients with DCCF referred to a specialised interventional neuroradiology department.

Results

Orbital and neuro‐ophthalmological symptoms were the most common clinical presentation at diagnosis (n = 25). The venous drainage of the fistula involved the ipsilateral superior ophthalmic vein in 24 patients, the contralateral cavernous sinus in 6 and a leptomeningeal vein in 5 patients. Thrombosis of at least one petrosal sinus was found in 23 patients. 7 patients did not receive endovascular treatment: 3 had spontaneous DCCF obliteration, and 4 had only minor clinical symptoms and no leptomeningeal venous drainage on an angiogram. 20 patients received endovascular treatment via either a transvenous (n = 16) or a transarterial approach (n = 4). Complete occlusion of the fistula was obtained in 14 of 16 (87%) patients treated by the transvenous approach and in 1 of 4 (25%) patients treated by the transarterial approach. 16 patients had early clinical improvement after endovascular treatment. One patient had a cerebral haemorrhage after transvenous embolisation of a DCCF with leptomeningeal drainage. On follow‐up, all patients treated by the transarterial route remained symptomatic, whereas 10 of 14 (71%) patients cured by the transvenous route were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Transvenous embolisation is a safe and efficient endovascular approach to treat patients with DCCF. However, this technique requires a long learning curve.Dural carotid–cavernous fistulas (DCCFs) constitute a rare condition caused by abnormal communications between meningeal branches of the internal or external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, typically diagnosed in postmenopausal women.¹ Its underlying pathophysiology is yet unknown, although a link between DCCF and sinus thrombosis has been suggested.^2,3 Patients with DCCF are often diagnosed with delay, because the clinical symptoms seem to be usually mild and non‐specific. In addition, spontaneous occlusion of the fistula may occur.^4,5 However, some patients with DCCF may have more severe symptoms such as proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, visual impairment or intracranial haemorrhage. The clinical presentation of a DCCF has shown to be closely related to the venous drainage pattern: drainage via the superior ophthalmic vein is associated with orbital and neuro‐ophthalmological symptoms, whereas leptomeningeal drainage correlates with neurological symptoms or intracranial haemorrhage.^6,7,8For, many years, DCCFs have been almost exclusively treated by endovascular embolisation. The endovascular technique has dramatically changed over the past 15 years since the development of the transvenous approach in association with controllable detachable coils.The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical presentation, angiographical findings and treatment outcome in a retrospective series of 27 consecutive patients with DCCF who were referred to the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France.     

Spontaneous closure of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: A report of 3 cases

Spontaneous closures of dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are rare. We present spontaneous occlusion of dAVFs in 3 cases (one type IIa dAVF, one type IIb and one type III). Patients were 3 males with a mean age of 55 years (range 45–61). For two patients, the dAVF was revealed by hemorrhage. No head trauma was recorded at the interrogatory. Mean delay for spontaneous closure was 4 months (3–5 months). Review of the literature about this rare occurrence is presented and the factors that may lead to spontaneous occlusion of dAVFs are discussed.     

静脉入路栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的总结经静脉入路栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的手术经验。方法回顾性分析15例海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的临床资料,均采用Onyx或联合可脱性弹簧圈填塞病变侧海绵窦,同时闭塞瘘口。经股静脉-岩下窦入路11例,经股静脉-面静脉-眼上静脉入路4例。结果治疗后即刻造影显示海绵窦和瘘口完全闭塞14例,残留少量眼上静脉引流1例(术后6个月复查造影显示残留瘘口消失)。术后眼部症状加重1例,经对症治疗术后6d症状逐渐改善;展神经麻痹1例,自行恢复。随访3～28个月,未见复发病例。结论 Onyx经静脉入路栓塞海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘是安全有效的。     

Preoperative spinal tumor embolization: An institutional experience with Onyx

Background

Preoperative embolization has the potential to decrease intraoperative blood loss and facilitate spinal cord decompression and tumor resection.

Objective

We report our institutional experience with the embolization of hypervascular extradural spinal tumors with Onyx as well as earlier embolic agents in a series of 28 patients.

Methods

A retrospective case review was conducted on patients undergoing preoperative transarterial embolization of a spinal tumor between 1995 and 2012 at our institution.

Results

Twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 60.6 years. Twenty-eight patients had metastatic tumors. In 14 (50%) patients the metastases were from renal cell carcinomas. Fifty-four vessels were embolized using PVA, NBCA, Onyx, coils, or embospheres. Sixteen patients were treated with Onyx, 6 patients with PVA, 3 patients with embospheres, 2 patients with NBCA, and 3 patients with a combination of embolic agents. The average decrease in tumor blush was 97.8% with Onyx versus 92.7% with the rest of the embolic agents (p = 0.08). The estimated blood loss was 1616 ml (range 350–5000 ml). Blood loss was 750 cm³ on average with Onyx versus 1844 with the rest of the embolic agents (p = 0.14). The mean length of stay was 16 days. The mortality rate was zero. Pre- and post-operative modified Rankin Score (mRS) did not differ significantly in the series (3.12 versus 3.10, respectively, p = 0.9).

Conclusion

In our experience, the use of transarterial tumor embolization as an adjunct for spinal surgery is a safe and feasible option.     

血管内治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的疗效分析

目的探讨海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘（CS-DAVF）的血管内栓塞治疗的技巧及疗效。方法采用血管内栓塞治疗经DSA确诊的CS-DAVF患者34例,其中17例经动脉入路,15例静脉入路,2例经动、静脉联合入路;采用Onyx栓塞17例,弹簧圈栓塞6例,Onyx联合弹簧圈栓塞7例,1例采用Gluebran栓塞。结果 17例经动脉入路栓塞患者中,Class分级1级栓塞10例,2级栓塞6例,3级栓塞1例;15例经静脉脉入路栓塞患者中,1级栓塞10例,2级栓塞2例,3例栓塞失败;2例经动静脉联合入路栓塞患者中,1级栓塞1例,2级栓塞1例。31例成功栓塞的患者术后2例出现动眼神经麻痹,2例Onyx误栓同侧大脑中动脉。18例经DSA随访3~36个月,14例1级栓塞的患者未见复发;4例2级栓塞者2例瘘口完全闭塞,2例仍见瘘口。结论血管内栓塞是治疗CS-DAVF首选方法,依据供血动脉、瘘口特点及引流静脉选择不同途径进行个体化治疗,可以取得满意疗效。     

硬脑膜动静脉瘘Onyx栓塞术后三叉神经与面神经损伤一例

目的探讨硬脑膜动静脉瘘(DAVFs)Onyx栓塞术后并发三叉神经与面神经损伤的原因。方法分析1例DAVFs(海绵窦区)Onyx栓塞术后多发三叉神经与面神经损伤的临床资料,结合病因、临床表现、相应血管吻合。结果患者Onyx栓塞术后出现三叉神经及面神经损伤。结论硬脑膜动静脉瘘Onyx栓塞术后三叉神经与面神经的损伤与Onyx逆流阻塞相应脑神经的滋养动脉及二甲基亚砜的局部毒性有关。     

Surgical Results of Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma

Objective

We retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcomes of 42 patients with growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma to evaluate the clinical manifestations and to determine which preoperative factors that significantly influence the remission.

Methods

Forty-two patients with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) between 1995 and 2007. The patient group included 23 women and 19 men, with a mean age of 40.2 (range 13-61) years, and a mean follow-up duration of 49.4 (range 3-178) months after the operation. For comparable radiological criteria, we classified parasellar growth into five grades according to the Knosp classification. We analyzed the surgical results of the patients according to the most recent stringent criteria for cure.

Results

The overall rate of endocrinological remission in the group of 42 patients after primary TSS was 64% (26 of 42). The remission rate was 67% (8 of 12) for microadenoma and 60% (18 of 30) for macroadenoma. The remission rate was 30% (3 of 10) for the group with cavernous sinus invasion and 72% (23 of 32) for the group with intact cavernous sinus. Cavernous sinus invasion in Knosp grade III and IV was significantly correlated with the remission rate. There was a significant relationship between preoperative mean GH concentration and early postoperative outcome, with most patients in remission having a lower preoperative GH concentration.

Conclusion

TSS is thought to be an effective primary treatment for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas according to the most recent criteria of cure. Because the remission rate in cases with cavernous sinus invasion is very low, early detection of the tumor before it extends into the cavernous sinus and a long-term endocrinological and radiological follow-up are necessary in order to improve the remission rate of acromegaly.     

经岩下窦入路Onyx联合弹簧圈栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的探讨经岩下窦入路Onyx联合可脱性弹簧圈栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析2010年7月~2013年6月经岩下窦入路Onyx结合弹簧圈栓塞治疗的18例海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者的临床资料,评价疗效及手术并发症。结果栓塞后即刻血管造影显示瘘口完全闭塞15例,次全闭塞3例。4例术中出现心动过缓,3例术后出现眶部疼痛。随访3~12个月,所有患者术前症状消失,无复发。结论经岩下窦入路Onyx联合弹簧圈栓塞海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘疗效确切,安全可靠。     

Onyx经动脉入路栓塞创伤性颈内动脉海绵窦瘘

目的 总结运用Onyx栓塞创伤性颈内动脉海绵窦瘘(TCCF)的初步体会,评价其安全性及有效性.方法 对6例明确TCCF的患者(共7侧瘘口),采用球囊封闭颈内动脉瘘口,经颈内动脉将微导管超选进入海绵窦内,通过微导管注射Onyx胶,或联合可脱性球囊及弹簧圈栓塞治疗.结果 除1例双侧TCCF患者在栓塞一侧瘘口后脑血流发生显著变化后,行分期治疗对侧瘘口外,其余5例均一期治疗.术后即刻造影显示一期治疗的6侧瘘口完全闭塞,一侧二期治疗瘘口注胶结束后造影瘘口完全消失,在撤出微导管重新造影时可见少许静脉早显,所有患者颈内动脉保持通畅.4例术前视力障碍患者,术后完全恢复正常;无新发神经系统体征.3例患者术后2-7个月DSA或MRA复查未见瘘口复发.结论 采用球囊辅助经动脉入路Onyx栓塞治疗复杂性TCCF是安全、有效的.     

Onyx和／或弹簧圈栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的探讨经不同入路应用Onyx、弹簧圈或二者联合栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘的疗效。方法回顾性分析21例经DSA证实为海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘患者的临床资料。21例患者中,15例经岩下窦入路栓塞,2例经面静脉或颞浅静脉一眼静脉人路栓塞,4例经动脉入路栓塞;单纯使用Onyx栓塞11例,单纯用弹簧圈栓塞3例,用弹簧圈联合Onyx栓塞7例,其中2例注入Onyx过程中使用封堵球囊保护颈内动脉。结果栓塞术后即刻造影显示瘘口完全闭塞17例,大部分闭塞4例。栓塞术后所有颅内杂音均消失。术后出现同侧眼睑下垂加重2例,动眼神经麻痹1例,外展神经麻痹2例,3月后均改善。16例患者随访3～62个月,平均随访28个月;6例经DSA随访未见复发,10例电话或门诊随访症状改善。结论使用Onyx、弹簧圈或二者联合进行栓塞治疗海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘,静脉入路为首选,必要时可使用封堵球囊保护供血动脉,可以取得较为满意的疗效。     

Treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula by balloon-assisted transarterial embolization with Onyx

Objective

This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula via a very small, short feeding artery with the assistance of a balloon placed proximal to the tip of the microcatheter, such that the balloon serves as a plug.

Methods

Eight patients who underwent treatment of DAVF by balloon-assisted transarterial embolization with Onyx were retrospectively reviewed. Gender, age, angiography findings, procedure details, clinical and angiographic outcomes, complications, and follow-up were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Nine embolization procedures were performed in eight male patients via extracranial arteries. Balloon-assisted embolization was successful in all eight patients. A Hyperglide balloon was used in five patients, and a Hyperform balloon was used in three patients. Angiographic resolution of the fistula was achieved in all patients without complications. All patients recovered uneventfully. During the follow-up period of 7–19 months, all patients were asymptomatic except for one patient who experienced mild headaches.

Conclusions

Treatment of DAVF by balloon-assisted embolization with Onyx achieved promising results, even in patients with very small and short feeding arteries. This technique allowed the treatment of DAVF cases where other techniques have failed.     

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)     

Radiosurgery for dural arterio-venous fistulas: A review

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are vascular lesions involving direct connections between intracranial dural arteries and venous sinuses. The goal of treatment of these vascular lesions is to alleviate symptoms and prevent future hemorrhage. While endovascular embolization remains the primary method of treatment and obliteration of dAVF recently, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used as a treatment modality in select dAVF either alone or in conjunction with endovascular embolization. Considering recent studies examining dAVFs natural history and possible therapeutic interventions, the authors provide a concise review of the literature and discuss the indications, efficacy, and safety of SRS in the management of dAVFs.     

The Efficacy of Simultaneous Bilateral Internal Carotid Angiography during Coil Embolization for Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

Objective

Successful coil embolization of anterior communicating (A-com) artery aneurysms requires good visualization and understanding of the entire H complex. Bilateral carotid angiography may optimize anatomical understanding and visualization of the H complex. We therefore assessed the efficacy of simultaneous bilateral internal carotid angiography during coil embolization for A-com artery aneurysms.

Methods

Of the 153 patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms who underwent embolization between July 2008 and December 2009, 12 had A-com artery aneurysms and were embolized under bilateral carotid angiography. Patients were evaluated angiographically, immediately and 6 months (n=11) after embolization, using a 3-point scale (complete, residual neck, residual aneurysm). The safety, performance and efficacy of this approach were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

In all patients, bilateral internal carotid artery angiography provided more detailed anatomical information and understanding around the A-com artery, and, in complex situations, it allowed for more effective coil embolization through bilateral routes to the A-com artery. Angiography immediately after embolization showed occlusion of 11 of the 12 (92%) aneurysms, with none of these 11 showing evidence of recanalization at 6 months.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that simultaneous bilateral carotid angiography during coil embolization of selected complex A-com artery aneurysms provided improved anatomical understanding, and resulted in more effective and safer procedures than typical unilateral angiography.     

岩下窦入路Onyx胶联合弹簧圈栓塞治疗双侧海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘

目的 探讨岩下窦入路Onyx胶联合弹簧圈栓塞治疗双侧海绵窦区硬脑膜动静脉瘘（CSDAVF）的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析2013年9月至2018年9月经岩下窦入路Onyx胶联合弹簧圈栓塞治疗的7例双侧CSDAVF的临床资料。结果 7例14侧CSDAVF中,完全栓塞13侧,次全栓塞1侧。术后动眼神经麻痹加重1例,外展神经麻痹加重1例。术后随访6个月,14侧瘘口均未显影,1例动眼神经麻痹基本恢复,1例外展神经麻痹部分恢复。结论 经岩下窦入路Onyx胶联合弹簧圈栓塞治疗双侧CSDAVF疗效确切,并发症较单侧更常见;有效使用弹簧圈及Onyx胶对手术成功及减少并发症至关重要。