Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Cavernous Sinus Through Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Puncture of the Facial Vein

Paradoxical worsening of ocular symptoms after transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula due to coil-induced perifocal inflammation: A case report

Ocular symptoms usually completely resolve after successful transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS-dAVFs). Herein, we report a case of CS-dAVF in which sinus packing of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) caused coil-induced inflammation in orbital tissue, leading to deteriorating ocular symptoms. A 73-year-old woman presented with right-eye exophthalmos and chemosis. Cerebral angiography demonstrated right CS-dAVF, which retrogradely drained into the right SOV. We conducted sinus packing with coils via the right inferior petrosal sinus, resulting in obliteration of the shunts. One day after sinus packing, right exophthalmos and chemosis progressed, suggesting dAVF recurrence. However, no residual angiographic shunts were observed. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed edema in intraorbital tissue and gadolinium contrast enhancement of SOV wall. We presumed that the coils in SOV induced perifocal inflammation at the venous wall and surrounding orbital tissue, leading to aggravation of ocular symptoms. Following steroid therapy for 2 months, ocular symptoms and contrast enhancement on orbital MRI significantly improved without anticoagulant treatment. Posttreatment paradoxical worsening of ocular symptoms could be caused by coil-induced inflammation of the SOV wall near the orbital tissue. Steroid therapy could be effective in reducing orbital inflammatory reactions.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: a cohort study of 141 patients

PURPOSE

The cavernous sinus (CS) region is a common region of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Over time, treatment strategies are gradually changing. In this study, we present our center's experience in managing CS-DAVF over the past 20 years.

METHODS

Medical records of patients diagnosed with CS-DAVF between 2002 and 2021 were collected for analysis. Patients meeting the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. This study summarized and analyzed their clinical characteristics, CS-DAVF angioarchitecture, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 141 patients (mean age 55 years, 46 males) were included in this study. Ocular/orbital symptoms were the most frequently reported initial symptoms, with 84 (59.6%) patients experiencing these symptoms first. Presentation with ocular/orbital symptoms as the first symptom was associated with thrombosis of the inferior petrosal sinus (p = 0.032). Presentation with headache/dizziness and tinnitus/intracranial murmur as the first symptom was associated with sphenoparietal sinus/superficial middle cerebral vein drainage (p = 0.011). Among the patients, 131 (92.9%) patients received endovascular treatment, with 114 (87.0%) undergoing transvenous embolization. Onyx (92.4%) and coil (74.8%) were the most used embolic materials. 17 (13.0%) of the patients who received endovascular treatment suffered intraoperative or postoperative complications, and 11 (64.7%) patients fully recovered within 6 months after discharge.

CONCLUSION

Ocular/orbital symptoms were the most common first symptom of CS-DAVF. The mode of venous drainage played a significant role in determining the first symptoms. Transvenous embolization using Onyx or a combination of Onyx and coils was the primary treatment modality.

Image fusion technique using flat panel detector rotational angiography for transvenous embolization of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula

Precise evaluation of the feeders, fistulous points, and draining veins plays a key role for successful embolization of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a gold standard diagnostic tool to assess the exact angioarchitecture of DAVFs. With the advent of new image postprocessing techniques, we lately have been able to apply image fusion techniques with two different image sets obtained with flat panel detector rotational angiography. This new technique can provide additional and better pretherapeutic information of DAVFs over the conventional 2D and 3D angiographies. In addition, it can be used during the endovascular treatment to help the accurate and precise navigation of the microcatheter and microguidwire inside the vessels and identify the proper location of microcatheter in the targeted shunting pouch. In this study, we briefly review the process of an image fusion technique and introduce our clinical application for treating DAVFs, especially focused on the transvenous embolization.

Endovascular treatment in bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Few studies have discussed the disease nature and treatment outcomes for bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of bilateral CSDAVF. Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library were searched for studies that specified the outcomes of bilateral CSDAVF from inception to April 2022. The classification, clinical presentation, angiographic feature, surgical approach, and treatment outcomes were collected. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Eight studies reporting 97 patients were included. The clinical presentation was mainly orbital (n = 80), cavernous (n = 52) and cerebral (n = 5) symptoms. The most approached surgical route was inferior petrosal sinus (n = 80), followed by superior orbital vein (n = 10), and alternative approach (n = 7). Clinical symptoms of 88% of the patients (95% CI 80-93%, I² = 0%) were cured, and 82% (95% CI 70-90%, I² = 7%) had angiographic complete obliteration of fistulas during follow up. The overall complication rate was 18% (95% CI 11-27%, I² = 0%). Therefore, endovascular treatment is an effective treatment for bilateral CSDAVF regarding clinical or angiographic outcomes. However, detailed evaluation of preoperative images and comprehensive surgical planning of the approach route are mandatory owing to complexity of the lesions.

Transfemoral trans-facial vein-superior ophthalmic vein to embolize cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas

Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF) is an abnormal communication between the CS and dural arteries from the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery. CS-DAVFs are not uncommon. The preferred treatment for most CS-DAVFs is transvenous embolization (TVE), which can achieve a high cure rate with few complications. The trans-inferior petrous sinus (IPS) route from the internal jugular vein to the CS is the favorite and most direct route to perform TVE in the great majority of CS-DAVFs. However, when the trans-IPS route fails and if the facial vein (FV) is patent and dilated, transfemoral trans-FV-superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) embolization of the CS-DAVF can be attempted. However, the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAVFs is often challenging, and there is insufficient knowledge about it. Therefore, an updated review of the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAVFs is necessary, and this review includes our experience. The images in this review are from our institute without the dispute of copyright. Issues regarding the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAV were discussed, including the FV anatomy and variation, various TVE routes to access CS-DAVF, the procedure of the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAVF, difficulty, and solution of the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAVF, and complications and prognosis of transfemoral trans-FV-SOV to embolize CS-DAVF. By reviewing the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAVFs, we found that this route provides a valuable alternative to the other transvenous routes. A good prognosis can be obtained with the transfemoral trans-FV-SOV route to embolize CS-DAVFs in select cases.

Intraoperative Ultrasonography in Endoscopic Approaches for Orbital Lesions: A Single-Center Case Series

BACKGROUND

Recently, endoscopic approaches for orbital lesions have been proposed. Their results seem promising; however, orbital surgery remains challenging with possible significant morbidity, mostly because of orbital structures manipulation. Ultrasonography is an innovative intraoperative imaging technique that can assist the surgeon in these approaches.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in endoscopic orbital surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with orbital tumors operated in our institution through an endoscopic approach with IOUS have been prospectively collected from 2019 to May 2021.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included. Based on tumor location, evaluated on preoperative MRI, the endoscopic endonasal approach was preferred in 7 tumors in medial quadrants while the endoscopic transpalpebral in 8 lateral ones. During surgery, IOUS allowed us to identify the tumors and the most relevant anatomic structures in all cases. Time spent for IOUS preparation before the first scan was 8 ± 6 minutes on average, and each intraoperative scan took approximately 30 to 120 seconds. Gross tumor removal was achieved in 8 patients, subtotal in 3, while in 4 patients, surgery was limited to a biopsy. No surgical complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

IOUS has allowed us to localize the lesion and to identify the straighter surgical corridor and assess the tumor resection, effectively helping the surgeon and potentially reducing operative complications. This tool provides a real-time image, not affected by the orbital structures shift, which can be dynamically assessed multiple times during surgery. However, it is hampered by the need of specific training and possible artifacts.

Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula accessed through a straightened superficial temporal vein

Background:

Transvenous embolization through the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is the most common treatment procedure for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). When the IPS is inaccessible or the CSDAVF cannot be treated with transvenous embolization through the IPS, the superficial temporal vein (STV) is used as an alternative access route. However, the approach through the STV is often challenging because of its tortuous and abruptly angulated course. We report a case of recurrent CSDAVF which was successfully treated using a chronic total occlusion (CTO)-dedicated guidewire and by straightening the STV.

Case Description:

A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with CSDAVF on examination for oculomotor and abducens nerve palsy. She was initially treated with transvenous embolization through the IPS. However, CSDAVF recurred, and transvenous embolization was performed through the STV. A microcatheter could not be navigated because of the highly meandering access route through the STV. By inserting a CTO-dedicated guidewire into the microcatheter, the STV was straightened and the microcatheter could be navigated into a shunted pouch of the CS. Finally, complete occlusion of the CSDAVF was achieved.

Conclusion:

If an access route is highly meandering, the approach can be facilitated by straightening the access route with a CTO-dedicated guidewire.

Dural carotid-cavernous fistulas: our experience with endovascular management

Background

Indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) are dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus and generally present with ocular symptoms. High index of clinical suspicion and radiological work up is required for diagnosis, and treatment is primarily endovascular embolization. We present our experience in diagnosis and management of indirect CCF along with technical evolution to perform embolization and different vascular accesses for difficult anatomy.

Results

Among a total of 20 indirect CCF cases who were treated with embolization in our department from 2013 to 2020, five (25%) were type C and 15 (75%) were type D. Seven were treated with trans-arterial access only, 11 were treated by transvenous access only, and two were treated by taking both transvenous and trans-arterial access. No recurrence was seen in angiographically cured patients. Out of seven patients who suffered various grades of visual deficit, five recovered completely and two had fixed visual deficit. Third and sixth cranial nerve palsy persisted in two patients even after CCF embolization.

Conclusion

Indirect CCF is a treatable cause of troublesome ocular symptoms. Endovascular embolization is preferred treatment with excellent short- and long-term outcome. The embolization becomes difficult and challenging in cases where the conventional vascular access to the cavernous sinus is occluded.

Transvenous Approaches to Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae of the Cavernous Sinus

Dural arteriovenous fistulae of the cavernous sinus (CS) (previously often referred to indirect carotid cavernous fistulas) are rare vascular shunts involving meningeal branches and osseous branches of the external or internal carotid arteries and the CS. They typically present with ocular symptoms including pain, conjunctival injection, and proptosis. Left untreated there may be a risk of vision loss, and fistulas with cortical venous reflux through either the deep or superficial venous system may cause intracranial venous congestion or hemorrhage. Endovascular embolization is the standard treatment, and while transarterial routes may appear possible, transarterial embolization has considerable risks of ischemic complications. Conversely, transvenous routes achieve a high rate of fistula occlusion with a low risk of peri-procedural morbidity. Procedural success depends on identification of the venous outflows from the fistula and localization of the fistulous point, to select the best route of access to the CS, including the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), intercavernous sinus, or superior ophthalmic vein, among others. Even if the IPS is not visualized, it may be possible to recanalize it to gain access to the CS. Embolization can be performed with a combination of coils, fibered coils, and liquid embolic agents, focusing on occlusion of the fistulous point or blocking high-risk venous outflow pathways. In this review we will highlight procedural pearls and potential pitfalls and our typical approach to these lesions based on illustrative examples.

Endoscopic approaches to orbital lesions: case series and systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of orbital lesions is challenging because complex approaches with a high risk of postoperative sequelae are required. Recently, minimally invasive endoscopic approaches through endonasal (EEA) and transpalpebral (ETP) routes have been proposed. The objective of this study was to assess outcomes of EEA and ETP in the authors' series of patients with orbital lesions.

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent operations for an orbital tumor through an endoscopic approach at the authors' institution from 2002 to 2018 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and ophthalmological evaluation, which was repeated 3 months after surgery and then at regular follow-up intervals. A systematic review of the literature was also performed using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

The series includes 23 patients (14 males); the mean patient age was 48 ± 23.9 years. Most of the lesions were intraconal (n = 19, 83%). The more frequent histotype was cavernous hemangioma (n = 5, 22%). Exophthalmos was the most common symptom (21 of 23 patients). EEA was performed in 16 cases (70%) and ETP in 7 (30%). The aim of the surgery was achieved in 94% of the cases after an EEA (successful biopsy in 5 of 6 cases and radical resection in all 10 remaining patients), and in 86% after an ETP (successful biopsy in 2 cases and radical tumor resection in 4 of 5 cases). Complications consisted of 3 cases (13%) of transitory diplopia. One recurrence (4%) was observed at follow-up (mean 59 ± 55 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The EEA and ETP have demonstrated to be safe and effective for tumors located respectively in medial and lateral quadrants, permitting one to approach orbital lesions endoscopically at 360°. Innovative surgical tools, including intraoperative ultrasonography, may be useful to potentially reduce surgical morbidity. Larger series are needed to validate these preliminary suggestions.

Endovascular treatment of the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: current status and considerations

A cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF) is an abnormal arteriovenous communication involving the dura mater within or near the CS wall. The dural arteries from the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery supply the CS-DAVF, and the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and inferior petrous sinus (IPS) are frequent venous drainers. In CS-DAVF cases, high-risk lesions require treatment. Endovascular treatment (EVT) has been the first-line option for CS-DAVFs. To our knowledge, a review of the EVT of CS-DAVFs is lacking. Therefore, in this paper, we review the available literature on this issue. In addition, some illustrative cases are also provided to more concisely expound the EVT of CS-DAVFs. According to the recent literature, transvenous embolization via the IPS is considered the most effective method for EVT of CS-DAVFs. In addition, the transorbital approach is another reasonable choice. Other venous approaches can also be tried. Because of the low cure rate, transarterial embolization for CS-DAVFs is limited to only highly selected patients. In the EVT of CS-DAVFs, various agents have been used, including coil, Onyx, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate, with coil being the preferred one. In addition, when EVT cannot obliterate the CS-DAVF, stereotactic radiotherapy may be considered. In general, despite various complications, EVT is a feasible and effective method to manage CS-DAVFs by way of various access routes and can yield a good prognosis.