Management of dural carotid cavernous fistulas: a single-centre experience

Objectives

To report the epidemiological features, clinical presentation, angiographic characteristics and therapeutic options, success and complication rates in patients with dural carotid cavernous fistulas (dural CCFs).

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of patients followed in our institution between January of 2005 and September of 2013.

Results

There were 38 patients, 76 % females, with an average age of 63 years. Ocular symptoms and signs were the most frequent clinical findings. Dural CCFs were Barrow type B in 8 %, type C in 10 % and type D in 82 %. Cortical venous reflux was present in 50 % of cases. Medical treatment was performed in 16 % of patients, external ocular compression in 8 %, transarterial embolisation in 13 %, transvenous embolisation in 60 % and radiosurgery in 3 %. Clinical and angiographic follow-up data were available in 89 % and 82 % of patients with a mean follow-up time of 9 and 7 months, respectively. Clinical cure was achieved in 58 % of patients and improvement in 24 %. Anatomical cure was demonstrated in 68 %. Transient worsening or new onset of ocular symptoms was observed in 29 %. There was no permanent morbidity or mortality.

Conclusions

In properly selected patients, endovascular embolisation, particularly by transvenous approach, represents a safe and effective treatment for dural CCFs.

Key points

? Dural carotid cavernous fistulas are more common in elderly women ? Dural CCFs most commonly present with ocular symptoms and signs ? Endovascular treatment is effective and safe in properly selected patients