Percutaneous transfemoral embolization of an indirect carotid-cavernous fistula with cortical venous access to the cavernous sinus. Case report

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.

Endovascular management of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: Overall review and considerations

Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSDAVFs) are arteriovenous shunts between small dural branches arising from the external and/or internal carotid arteries and the cavernous sinus (CS). And now a days, endovascular treatment is the treatment of choice in CSDAVF. We review the anatomy and classifications of CSDAVFs, discussing and detailing these considerations in the treatment of CSDAVFs, theoretically and in the light of recent literatures.

Access-route Visualization Using Ultrasonography and CT Angiography to Predict the Feasibility of Transvenous Embolization via the Facial Vein for Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Objective

Transvenous embolization (TVE) is an effective treatment for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS-DAVFs). The facial vein (FV) can be used as an access route for TVE when a trans-inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) approach is difficult. We evaluated the usefulness of combining ultrasonography (US) with computed tomography angiography (CTA) for confirming that the FV is a suitable access route for treating CS-DAVFs.

Methods

Trans-FV TVE was planned for five CS-DAVF patients in whom the shunt point was located in the posterior compartment of the CS and anterior venous drainage predominantly occurred via the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). The anterior drainage route was examined with CTA and US. We reviewed the relationships between preoperative CTA/US findings and the accessibility of CS-DAVFs via the FV.

Results

The periorbital and perimandibular drainage pathways were clearly more visible on US than on CTA, and the cervical and thoracic drainage pathways were more visible on CTA than on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). CS-DAVFs were accessible via the FV when (1) the entire drainage pathway could be confirmed on CTA and US, (2) the periorbital and perimandibular pathways were unclear on CTA, but could be confirmed on US, or (3) the FV pathway drained into the internal jugular vein (IJV) or external jugular vein (EJV). On the other hand, TVE was challenging to perform via the FV when (1) the periorbital pathway was unclear on CTA and US, (2) the FV pathway drained into the brachiocephalic vein, or (3) the SOV thrombosed intraoperatively. In all five patients, TVE for CS-DAVFs performed via the FV or IPS was successful.

Conclusion

CTA and US are useful for confirming the anterior access route for trans-FV TVE for CS-DAVFs and predicting the feasibility of such treatment. Our findings suggest that CS-DAVFs can be accessed via the FV if the periorbital drainage pathway can be confirmed on US, even if the pathway is unclear on CTA.

Contralateral transvenous approach and embolization with 360° guglielmi detachable coils for the treatment of cavernous sinus dural fistula

carotid-cavernous fistulas are spontaneours acquired connections between the carotid artery and the cavernous cavernous sinus, being classified as direct or indirect; being usually diagnosed in postmenopausal women, but are also associated with other pathoogies such as pregnancy, sinusitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis. They are clinically characterized by ophthalmological symptoms and pulsatile tinnitus. A 51-year-old woman who started her current condition about 4 years ago with pulsatile tinnitus, to which were added progressively: Pain, conjunctival erythema, right eye proptosis and the occasional headache of moderate intensity. Caotid-cavernous fistula wes diagnosed, for the technical difficulty inherent in the case was made a contralateral transvenous approach and embolization with 360° GDG coils, with successful evolution of the patient. The endovascular management of these lesions is currently possible with excellent results.

Multidisciplinary treatment of a large cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula using embolization, surgery, and radiosurgery

Dural arteriovenous fistulae are rare lesions composed of abnormal connections between meningeal arteries and the dural sinuses or lepto-meningeal veins. Treatment is challenging because of the small size and wide distribution of the myriad sites of fistulous connection. We present a case of a dural arteriovenous fistula presenting with visual deterioration, pulsatile tinnitus, and intracranial hypertension that was successfully treated with a multidisciplinary approach combining angiographic, surgical, and radiosurgical intervention. This is one of the largest of these formidable lesions treated in this fashion that has been reported.

Transvenous embolization of intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts through occluded venous segments: experience in 51 Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DAVFs with cortical venous reflux carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment options include transarterial embolization with a liquid embolic agent or transvenous access with occlusion of the involved venous segment, which may prove difficult if the venous access route is thrombosed. The aim of this article is to describe the technique and results of the transvenous approach via thrombosed venous segments for occlusion of DAVFs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study was a retrospective analysis of 51 patients treated with a transvenous approach through an occluded sinus that was reopened by gentle rotational advancement of a 0.035-inch guidewire, which opened a path for a subsequently inserted microcatheter.

RESULTS

Of 607 patients with DAVFs, the transvenous reopening technique was attempted in 62 patients in 65 sessions and was successful in 51 patients and 53 sessions. Immediate occlusion was seen in 42 patients; on follow-up, occlusion was seen in 49 patients, whereas 2 patients had reduced flow without cortical venous reflux. No permanent procedure-related morbidity was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The reopening technique to gain access to isolated venous pouches or the cavernous sinus for the treatment of DAVFs is a safe and effective treatment, which should be considered if transarterial approaches fail or are anticipated to result only in an incomplete anatomic cure.

A promising adjuvant to detachable coils for cavernous packing: onyx

Transvenous embolization of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae (CDAVFs) with Onyx has recently been reported. This study was undertaken to assess the value of Onyx in transvenous treatment of CDAVFs. We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients who underwent transvenous embolization for CDAVFs of Barrow Type D with detachable coils and Onyx at our institution over five years. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, patients who had been treated with detachable coils; group B, patients who had been treated with a combination of detachable coils and Onyx. The approach routes, angiographic results, complications and clinical outcome were assessed for both groups. Eighteen patients with CDAVFs of Barrow Type D were treated: nine women and nine men; mean age was 41.9 years. Eleven patients treated by 19 procedures of transvenous coiling belonged to group A. Seven patients treated by eight procedures of transvenous Onyx injection belonged to group B. The periprocedural complication rate associated with coiling for both groups was 18.2% vs 16.7% with Onyx. The duration of the procedure in both groups was 6.77-/+2.49 hours vs 3.75-/+1.63 hours with coiling vs Onyx, and the cost of Onyx was cheaper than coils. An excellent outcome was achieved in both groups: 90.9% vs 100% (group A vs group B). Our results associated with both modalities of CDAVFs treatment with clinical outcome show that transvenous embolization with Onyx is a safe alternative to detachable coils in the treatment of CDAVFs. However, more cases need to be evaluated.

Cavernous sinus fistula treated through the transvenous approach: report of four cases

PURPOSE

To describe transvenous embolization in four patients with indirect dural carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) or superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), and their clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The CCF approach was performed after retrograde venous catheterization from the femoral vein to the cavernous sinus via the IPS (n=1) or SOV (n=3). SOV catheterization was possible without surgical intervention. All patients presented initially with typical clinical signs of CCF. Patients treated via the SOV presented with thrombosis of the IPS.

RESULTS

Catheterization and embolization were successful in all patients, with complete angiographic occlusion of the fistula. No early or late complications occurred. All patients presented with favorable clinical outcomes and complete recovery of ocular symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde transvenous embolization of CCF via the IPS, or SOV if the IPS is thrombosed, is a safe procedure with a good clinical outcome.

Trans-arterial embolisation therapy of dural carotid-cavernous fistulae using low concentration n-butyl-cyanoacrylate

BACKGROUND

Trans-venous embolisation has been accepted as the preferred treatment for dural carotid-cavernous fistulae (DCCF). However, such an approach is not always feasible. In this circumstance, trans-arterial embolisation with low concentration n-butyl-cyanoacrylate glue (NBCA) may be a feasible alternative. We report our results and experience of this method for DCCF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five patients with DCCF were treated by trans-arterial embolisation using low concentration NBCA by wedging the microcatheter into the main feeding artery. All five lesions were associated with venous drainage into the superior ophthalmic vein. The inferior petrosal sinus was patent in one patient and thrombosed in four. Additional venous drainage into the Sylvian vein and the superior petrosal sinus was observed in two patients.

FINDINGS

The definitive NBCA injection was performed via the branches of the middle meningeal artery in three patients and accessory meningeal artery as well as ascending pharyngeal artery in two patients. Four patients showed complete obliteration of the DCCF on the post-embolisation angiogram, and follow-up studies showed clinical cure or improvement and successful obliteration of the DCCF. One patient had a residual DCCF after the procedure, but showed complete obliteration and clinical cure at 5-month follow-up. Glue penetrated into the Sylvian vein in one patient during the procedure without sequelae. Two patients had transient worsening of ocular symptoms after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-arterial embolisation with low concentration NBCA using a wedged microcatheter technique is still a safe and effective treatment for DCCF when the transvenous approach is not feasible. However, care must be taken to prevent inadvertent arterial and venous embolisation.

Transvenous embolization of dural carotid-cavernous fistulae with transfacial catheterization through the superior ophthalmic vein

OBJECTIVE

We report our experience gaining access to the cavernous sinus via transfacial catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein through the angular or retromandibular vein. We evaluate the viability of this approach as a safe and convenient alternative pathway for transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 98 patients with symptomatic dural carotid-cavernous fistulae from two major regional hospitals in Hong Kong. All 98 patients presented with one or more ocular symptoms. Seventy-four transvenous embolization procedures were performed on 71 patients. Transvenous access to the cavernous sinus was attempted through various pathways, one by one, until the cavernous sinus was successfully catheterized.

RESULTS

The overall technical success rate of transvenous embolization of dural carotid-cavernous fistulae in our study was 64 out of 74 patients (86.5%). Had we not used the technique of transfacial catheterization, the technical success rate would have been 53 out of 74 patients (71.6%). After adoption of the transfacial approach, the technical success rate of transvenous embolization became 64 out of 64 patients (100%). Residual symptoms occurred in eight patients. Two patients developed transient VIth cranial nerve palsy after transvenous embolization for 1 and 2 months, respectively. Otherwise, there were no complications.

CONCLUSION

Transfacial catheterization through the superior ophthalmic vein is a safe and effective approach and provides a convenient alternative pathway for transvenous embolization of dural carotid-cavernous fistulae when cannulation of the inferior petrosal sinus is not successful, thereby increasing the technical success rate.

A Migraine-Like Headache Induced by Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) generally causes periorbital aching with ocular symptoms due to high venous pressure in the cavernous sinus, while migraine is caused by arterial dilatation-stimulating trigeminal nerves around the vessels. The authors present a case of 47-year-old woman with a 4-month history of a temporal throbbing headache. As her symptoms were well controlled by triptans, her headache was considered to be migraine in type. However, a Barrow's type-D CCF was revealed by radiological examinations. Self-compression of common carotid artery method was initially tried for therapy of the CCF, but endovascular embolization was finally necessary due to intractable headache. Although the headache was considered arterial in origin, transvenous embolization of the left cavernous sinus successfully ameliorated the patient's symptoms. CCF should be considered as an unusual etiology of headaches that appear arterial in origin.

Treatment of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Current Strategies Based on Location and Hemodynamics, and Alternative Techniques of Transcatheter Embolization

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) can occur anywhere within the dura mater. Patients may be clinically asymptomatic or may experience symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to fatal hemorrhage, depending on the location (eg, cavernous sinus, transverse-sigmoid sinus, tentorium, superior sagittal sinus, anterior fossa) and venous drainage pattern of the AVF. In the past, dural AVFs have been treated with a variety of approaches, including surgical resection, venous clipping, transcatheter embolization, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. Recent developments in catheter intervention now allow most patients to be cured with transcatheter embolization, although stereotactic radiation therapy is demonstrating good results in an increasing number of cases and surgery is still the preferred option in some cases. Familiarity with drainage patterns, the risk of aggressive symptoms, recent technical advances, and current treatment strategies is essential for the treatment of intracranial dural AVFs.

Cavernous sinus dural fistula treated by transvenous facial vein approach

SUMMARY

We report on the endovascular treatment of the spontaneous indirect dural carotid cavernous sinus type D fistula in a 60-year-old woman, in whom ipsilateral facial, angular and superior ophthalmic veins catheterization was performed to get access to the fistula site for embolization treatment. Approach via the facial vein is helpful after inferior petrosal sinus treatment failure. Although this technique requires caution in the angular vein region it allows a safe and effective treatment of these lesions. 3D rotational digital angiography can obtain more information of the angioarchitecture of the cavernous plexus and venous outflow for the catheter navigation.

Embolisation of both fistulae through the same carotid artery tear in a patient with bilateral traumatic caroticocavernous fistulae

Endovascular treatment of traumatic caroticocavernous fistulae (CCF) may present technical difficulties with specific angiographic dilemmas. We report endovascular techniques used in a patient with bilateral post-traumatic CCF, high-flow on one side, and slow-flow on the other. Complete closure of both was achieved through the same carotid artery tear. To our knowledge, transarterial venous coil embolisation of a low-flow fistula through a contralateral carotid artery tear, with transarterial detachable balloon embolisation of the ipsilateral high-flow fistula has not been described previously.

Transvenous treatment of carotid cavernous and dural arteriovenous fistulae: results for 31 patients and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate findings for patients with carotid cavernous fistulae or dural arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) who underwent transvenous embolization via different transvenous approaches.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data for 31 patients (age range, 17-81 yr; mean age, 59.3 yr) with carotid cavernous fistulae (n = 6) or dural AVFs (cavernous sinus [CS], n = 11; transverse/sigmoid sinus, n = 14) was performed. The AVFs were treated with coils via different transvenous approaches, in 56 procedures. Doppler ultrasonography and time-resolved, two-dimensional, magnetic resonance projection angiography were performed to confirm the treatment. The mean clinical follow-up period was 32.5 months.

RESULTS

A total of 34 transvenous procedures were performed for 17 AVFs of the CS. Eleven patients with AVFs of the CS (63%) were cured with respect to clinical symptoms, and six patients experienced improvement (37%). The approach via the internal jugular vein and inferior petrosal sinus (n = 15) was possible in 60% of cases, with complete occlusion of the fistula in 78% of cases. With the approach via the facial vein (n = 8), there was a 50% success rate. The superior ophthalmic vein approach (n = 5) was associated with a high rate of technical success (100%), with a rate of complete fistula occlusion of 80%. We encountered complications, with transient morbidity, in four cases (23.5%). For 14 dural AVFs of the transverse/sigmoid sinus, 22 transvenous procedures were performed; 12 patients were cured (85.7%) and 2 experienced improvement (14.3%). The technical success rate was 86%, with complete occlusion in 42% of cases. Minor complications occurred in six cases (42.9%) but did not lead to permanent morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Transvenous treatment of CS and transverse/sigmoid sinus AVFs can be effective if all transvenous approaches, including combined surgical/endovascular approaches, are considered.

Alcohol Embolization of Carotid-Cavernous Indirect Fistulae

OBJECTIVE

Carotid-cavernous fistulae (CCFs) are abnormal communications between the carotid artery and cavernous sinus that may present with rapid visual deterioration and extraocular paresis as a result of increasing intraocular pressure requiring emergent treatment to preserve vision. We present a technique of balloon-assisted ethanol embolization of the cavernous carotid artery supply to indirect CCFs providing immediate reduction in intraocular pressure with symptomatic improvement.

METHODS

We reviewed clinical and angiographic data and present a retrospective case series illustrating six patients who underwent endovascular embolization because of worsening visual acuity and extraocular motility disorder caused by CCFs. Cerebral angiography revealed significant blood supply from the cavernous carotid artery to these CCFs. We performed ethanol embolization of these branches with distal balloon protection.

RESULTS

Five of the six patients experienced immediate and sustained (mean follow-up, 21 mo) decreases in intraocular pressure, with significant symptom improvement. One patient experienced cavernous sinus thrombosis after conclusion of embolization, which caused a temporary worsening of symptoms that improved gradually over time.

CONCLUSION

Many surgical and endovascular options are available to treat indirect CCFs. Absolute ethanol is a liquid agent that causes immediate vessel sclerosis and occlusion, which makes it a dangerous but potent liquid embolic agent. With distal temporary balloon protection to prevent migration of ethanol, we achieved excellent clinical and angiographic results using absolute ethanol to embolize the cavernous carotid supply to indirect CCFs. This represents a safe and effective method of endovascular management of this complex vascular anomaly.

Reversal of blindness after transvenous embolization of a carotid-cavernous fistula: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Reversal of blindness after the endovascular treatment of a carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is exceedingly rare. It has been reported only once in a patient with a direct CCF. We report the first such case in a patient with an indirect CCF. Defining patients whose vision may recover is critical in coordinating the timing of therapy. Mechanisms of reversible visual loss in CCFs are discussed with the intent of elucidating the patients who compose this subgroup.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old man had a 1-week history of blindness, chemosis, and proptosis of the right eye. Ophthalmoscopy was compromised by diffuse choroidal effusion and corneal edema that obscured visualization of the patient's retina.

INTERVENTION

Transvenous embolization through retrograde catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein allowed complete coil occlusion of the lesion. The patient's visual loss improved rapidly, returning to normal within 50 days.

CONCLUSION

Although CCFs frequently are associated with permanent visual loss, a subset of patients demonstrates reversible ocular findings. If the retina of a patient with a CCF seems normal or is obscured, the potential for visual recovery, even from blindness, should prompt emergent treatment.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas involving the transverse-sigmoid sinus

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of radiosurgery for the treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) located in the region of the transverse-sigmoid sinus.

METHODS

A series of 20 patients with DAVFs located in the transverse-sigmoid sinus, who were treated with gamma knife surgery between June 1995 and June 2000, was evaluated. According to the Cognard classification, the DAVF was Type I in four patients. Type IIa in seven, Type IIb in two, and combined Type IIa+b in seven. Nine patients had previously been treated with surgery and/or embolization, whereas 11 patients underwent radiosurgery alone. Radiosurgery was performed using multiple-isocenter irradiation of the delineated DAVF nidus. The target volume ranged from 1.7 to 40.7 cm3. The margin dose delivered to the nidus ranged from 16.5 to 19 Gy at a 50 to 70% isodose level. Nineteen patients were available for follow-up review, the duration of which ranged from 6 to 58 months (median 19 months). Of the 19 patients, 14 (74%) were cured of their symptoms. At follow up, magnetic resonance imaging and/or angiography demonstrated complete obliteration of the DAVF in 11 patients (58%), subtotal obliteration (95% reduction of the nidus) in three (16%), and partial obliteration in another five (26%). There was no neurological complication related to the treatment. One patient experienced a recurrence of the DAVF 18 months after angiographic confirmation of total obliteration, and underwent a second course of radiosurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic radiosurgery provides a safe and effective option for the treatment of DAVFs involving the transverse and sigmoid sinuses. For some aggressive DAVFs with extensive retrograde cortical venous drainage, however, a combination of endovascular embolization and surgery may be necessary.

A bruital headache and double vision

A 44-year-old woman presented with a painful abducens nerve palsy in the left eye. Examination revealed a white, quiet eye and an orbital bruit without proptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal ipsilateral dural-based enhancement. Angiography confirmed a posterior draining carotid-cavernous fistula. Symptoms resolved spontaneously in approximately 8 months. The classification and treatment options for carotid-cavernous fistula are discussed.