Anterior Cranial Fossa Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae - Angioarchitecture and Intervention

Transpalpebral/Blepharoplasty Incision and Supraorbital Craniotomy for the Treatment of Ethmoidal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Case Series

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Inherent complex angioarchitecture associated with ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) can make endovascular treatment methods challenging. Many surgical approaches are accompanied by unfavorable cosmetic results such as facial scarring. Blepharoplasty incision of the eyelid offers a minimal, well-hidden scar compared with other incision sites while offering the surgeon optimal visualization of pathogenic structures. This case series aims to report an initial assessment of the safety and efficacy of supraorbital craniotomy by blepharoplasty transpalpebral (eyelid) incision for surgical disconnection of ethmoidal dAVFs.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients who underwent blepharoplasty incision and craniotomy for disconnection of ethmoidal dAVFs at our institution between October 2011 and February 2023. Patient charts and follow-up imaging were reviewed to report clinical and angiographic outcomes as well as periprocedural and follow-up complications.

RESULTS

Complete obliteration and disconnection of ethmoidal dAVF was achieved in all 6 (100%) patients as confirmed by intraoperative angiogram with no resulting morbidity or mortality. Periprocedural complications included one case of transient nasal cerebrospinal fluid leak that was self-limiting and resolved before discharge without intervention.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment for ethmoidal dAVFs, specifically by transpalpebral incision and supraorbital craniotomy, is a safe and effective treatment option and affords the surgeon greater access to the floor of the anterior fossa when necessary. In addition, blepharoplasty incision addressed patient concerns for facial scarring compared with other incision sites by creating a more well-hidden, minimal scar in the natural folds of the eyelid for patients with an eyelid crease.

Transarterial embolization for anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas: a retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

Clip ligation of anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is the traditionally accepted first-line treatment. Endovascular treatment for ACF DAVFs may achieve good outcomes as endovascular techniques advance. Here we report the clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with ACF DAVFs who underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) as first-line treatment.

METHODS

Over a 20-year period, 87.0% (40/46) of patients received TAE as first-line treatment. The clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment strategy, and clinical and angiographic outcomes are described in this article.

RESULTS

Forty patients underwent TAE as first-line treatment. There were 36 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 55.6 (55.6±7.4) years. A total of 64 embolization attempts were performed. The middle meningeal artery (66.7%, 12/18) and the ophthalmic artery (54.2%, 13/24) were the most frequently used arterial access routes for complete embolization. The second option was the sphenopalatine artery (46.7%, 7/15). Complications, that is, retinal ischemia, occurred in one patient (2.5%). The total immediate complete occlusion rate for TAE was 82.5% (33/40). Two patients needed surgery for incomplete embolization. When followed up (90%, 36/40), one patient (2.8%, 1/36) reported worsening symptoms due to retinal ischemia following TAE. Although fewer than 50% of the patients received digital subtraction angiography follow-up, there were no recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that TAE is safe and effective in the treatment of ACF DAVFs in this study of 40 patients, making it a viable alternative to surgical ligation and transvenous embolization. More research is needed to compare these various treatment modalities.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of endovascular treatment of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis with a subanalysis for Onyx

Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (dAVFs) of the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) are uncommon but carry a high risk of hemorrhage and pose substantial treatment challenges. Recent advancements in endovascular treatment (EVT), including the introduction of novel liquid embolic agents, have markedly bolstered EVT's role in managing ACF-dAVFs, with notable series published in the last five years. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EVT for ACF-dAVFs. We searched Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included those with ≥ 5 patients undergoing embolization of ACF-dAVFs, detailing both angiographic and clinical outcomes. We used single proportion analysis with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects model, I2 to assess heterogeneity, and Baujat and sensitivity analysis to address high heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by funnel-plot analysis and Egger's test. Outcomes included complete occlusion following embolization, unsuccessful endovascular embolization attempts, incomplete occlusion following embolization, symptom resolution or clinical improvement following embolization, recurrence; procedure-related complications, morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, a subanalysis for studies exclusively utilizing Onyx™ embolic system was done. Eighteen studies comprising 231 ACF-dAVF were included. Unsuccessful endovascular embolization attempts rate was 2%. Complete occlusion rate was 85%, with 4% of complications. Incomplete occlusion rate was 10%. Successfully embolized patients experienced either symptom resolution or clinical improvement in 94% of cases. Morbidity and mortality rates were 1% and 0%, respectively. Onyx subanalyses showed an overall rate of 0% for unsuccessful attempts, 95% for complete occlusion, and 5% for incomplete occlusion. Symptom resolution or clinical improvement was 98% and recurrence rate was 0%. EVT for ACF-dAVF is highly feasible, effective, and safe, with a low rate of complications, morbidity, and mortality. The subanalyses focusing on Onyx embolizations revealed superior efficacy and safety outcomes compared to the findings of the primary analyses involving all included studies.

Natural history, angiographic presentation and outcomes of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas

BACKGROUND

Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas (ACF-dAVFs) are aggressive vascular lesions. The pattern of venous drainage is the most important determinant of symptoms. Due to the absence of a venous sinus in the anterior cranial fossa, most ACF-dAVFs have some degree of drainage through small cortical veins. We describe the natural history, angiographic presentation and outcomes of the largest cohort of ACF-dAVFs.

METHODS

The CONDOR consortium includes data from 12 international centers. Patients included in the study were diagnosed with an arteriovenous fistula between 1990-2017. ACF-dAVFs were selected from a cohort of 1077 arteriovenous fistulas. The presentation, angioarchitecture and treatment outcomes of ACF-dAVF were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

60 ACF-dAVFs were included in the analysis. Most ACF-dAVFs were symptomatic (38/60, 63%). The most common symptomatic presentation was intracranial hemorrhage (22/38, 57%). Most ACF-dAVFs drained through cortical veins (85%, 51/60), which in most instances drained into the superior sagittal sinus (63%, 32/51). The presence of cortical venous drainage predicted symptomatic presentation (OR 9.4, CI 1.98 to 69.1, p=0.01). Microsurgery was the most effective modality of treatment. 56% (19/34) of symptomatic patients who were treated had complete resolution of symptoms. Improvement of symptoms was not observed in untreated symptomatic ACF-dAVFs.

CONCLUSION

Most ACF-dAVFs have a symptomatic presentation. Drainage through cortical veins is a key angiographic feature of ACF-dAVFs that accounts for their malignant course. Microsurgery is the most effective treatment. Due to the high risk of bleeding, closure of ACF-dAVFs is indicated regardless of presentation.

Combined transarterial and transvenous embolization of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula

Background

Excessive glue injection into the drainage vein in patients with dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) can result in venous obstruction. We performed transarterial embolization (TAE) combined with transvenous embolization (TVE) with coils to prevent the glue from migrating into the normal cortical veins.

Case Description

A 57-year-old man was pointed out to have a Borden Type III anterior cranial fossa dAVF during a check-up for putaminal hemorrhage. Because a left frontal normal cortical vein drained into the pathological drainage vein, excessive glue injection into the drainage vein may have caused venous obstruction. We performed TVE with coils at the foot of the draining vein to prevent excessive migration of glue into the drainer, followed by TAE with glue. With this technique, complete obliteration of the shunt without venous ischemia was obtained.

Conclusion

The combined treatment of TAE and TVE is effective in preventing venous ischemia caused by unintended migration of glue cast into the drainage vein.

Intracranial Non-Sinus-Type Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Could Be Curable by Transarterial Embolization or Transvenous Embolization with Liquid Embolic Material

Objective

Recently, the occlusion rate of transarterial embolization (TAE) for intracranial non-sinus-type dural arteriovenous fistulas (NSDAVFs) has improved after ONYX was introduced. Additionally, when TAE for NSDAVF is unsuccessful, transvenous embolization (TVE) has become available as an alternative treatment. We investigated the factor for the favorable occlusion rate of endovascular treatment for NSDAVF at our institutions.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty-seven patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) were treated at our institutions between September 2014 and October 2022. The patients diagnosed with NSDAVF in all DAVFs who underwent endovascular treatment were included. The clinical characteristics, angiographical outcomes, and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent endovascular treatment were evaluated.

Results

Thirty-eight patients had intracranial NSDAVF (tentorial: 23 cases, parasagittal-convexity: 7, anterior cranial fossa: 6, middle cranial fossa: 2). Our participants' mean age was 64.8 ± 11.3 years, and 31 (81.6%) of them were males. Patients' symptoms were as follows: asymptomatic (24), hemorrhage (10), tinnitus (3), and trigeminal neuralgia (1). TAE and TVE were performed on 35 and 3 patients, respectively. The rate of immediate angiographical occlusion was 84.2% (32/38). The follow-up angiographical occlusion rate in 6 months was 88.5% (31/35). Complications occurred in three cases. There was no morbidity or mortality after 30 days.

Conclusion

TAE using the combination of the new microcatheter and microguidewire and TVE in the case of difficult or failed TAE for NSDAVF could achieve high success rates and safety.

Endovascular treatment of anterior cranial base dural arteriovenous fistulas as a first-line approach: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have been almost exclusively considered as surgical lesions. However, new advances in endovascular technology have made the endovascular treatment (EVT) of ethmoidal DAVFs feasible. The aim of this study was to report the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients harboring DAVFs of the anterior cranial fossa who had undergone EVT as a first-line approach.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients harboring anterior cranial base DAVFs who had undergone EVT as a first-line approach at four institutions. Angiographic follow-up was performed at 6 months. Immediate and late serious clinical events were assessed during follow-up, including death and stroke. Special emphasis was given to visual status before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2020, 37 patients with ethmoidal DAVFs were admitted to the participating centers. In 2 patients, EVT was not attempted; therefore, 35 patients underwent EVT as a first-line procedure. An isolated transarterial approach was performed in 19 (54.3%) patients. The transvenous approach was performed exclusively in 12 (34.3%) patients, and combined access was used in 4 (11.4%) patients. The most frequently used arterial access route was the ophthalmic artery in 82.6% of the patients. Immediately, complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 31 (91.2%) of 34 patients whose treatment was accomplished. Six-month control angiography revealed that 30 (88.2%) DAVFs were totally occluded. Complications occurred in 3 (8.8%) patients, including 1 (2.9%) patient who had central retinal artery occlusion. No significant difference in complications or occlusion rates was noted between the transarterial and transvenous approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Most anterior cranial base DAVFs can be successfully treated via an endovascular approach. Neurological and visual complications are rare, even if the ophthalmic artery is used as the primary access route. Efforts should be focused on prospectively comparing the results of EVT and surgical management.

Dural arteriovenous fistula with crista galli erosion in a patient with suspected sinusitis

Dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) of the anterior cranial fossa is an aggressive entity with a high risk of intracranial hemorrhage. A 38-year-old woman presented to our institution with nasal obstruction and discharge. Computed tomography (CT) scans performed for suspected sinusitis revealed erosion of the crista galli predominantly on the left side. The frontal and ethmoidal sinuses adjacent to the crista galli were clear and did not communicate with the crista galli. Contrast computed tomography scans revealed ectatic vessels adjacent to the crista galli, coursing on the cortical surface. Cerebral angiography identified an anterior fossa dAVF supplied by the bilateral anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries and drained by the dilated cortical veins. Based on these findings, we assumed that long-term compression by the pulsatile draining veins caused the erosion. The patient underwent successful microsurgical disconnection procedure of the dAVF with an uneventful postoperative course. We concluded that external erosion of the crista galli could be a sign of aggressive dAVF and requires careful examination.

Radiation Dose and Fluoroscopy Time of Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Intracranial Lateral Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae

Purpose

Intracranial lateral dural arteriovenous fistula (LDAVF) represents a specific subtype of cerebrovascular fistulae, harboring a potentially life-threatening risk of brain hemorrhage. Fluoroscopically guided endovascular embolization is the therapeutic gold standard. We provide detailed dosimetry data to suggest novel diagnostic reference levels (DRL).

Methods

Retrospective single-center study of LDAVFs treated between January 2014 and December 2019. Regarding dosimetry, the dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time were analyzed for the following variables: Cognard scale grade, endovascular technique, angiographic outcome, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) protocol.

Results

A total of 70 patients (19 female, median age 65 years) were included. Total median values for DAP and fluoroscopy time were 325 Gy cm² (25%/75% percentile: 245/414 Gy cm²) and 110 min (68/142min), respectively. Neither median DAP nor fluoroscopy time were significantly different when comparing low-grade with high-grade LDAVF (Cognard I + IIa versus IIb–V; p > 0.05, each). Transvenous coil embolization yielded the lowest dosimetry values, with significantly lower median values when compared to a combined transarterial/transvenous technique (DAP 290 Gy cm² versus 388 Gy cm², p = 0.031; fluoroscopy time 85 min versus 170 min, p = 0.016). A significant positive correlation was found between number of arterial feeders treated by liquid embolization and both DAP (r_s = 0.367; p = 0.010) and fluoroscopy time (rs = 0.295; p = 0.040). Complete LDAVF occlusion was associated with transvenous coiling (p = 0.001). A low-dose DSA protocol yielded a 20% reduction of DAP (p = 0.021).

Conclusion

This LDAVF study suggests several local DRLs which varied substantially dependent on the endovascular technique and DSA protocol.