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

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.

First reported single-surgeon transpalpebral hybrid approach for indirect cavernous carotid fistula: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Failure to reach the cavernous sinus after multiple transvenous attempts, although rare, can be challenging for neurointerventionists. The authors sought to demonstrate technical considerations and nuances of the independent performance of a novel hybrid surgical and endovascular transpalpebral approach through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) for direct coil embolization of an indirect carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), and they review salient literature regarding the transpalpebral approach.

OBSERVATIONS

An illustrative case, including patient history and presentation, was reviewed. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2021, that reported ≥1 patient with a CCF treated endovascularly via the SOV approach. Data extracted included sample size, treatment modality, surgical technique, performing surgeon specialty, and procedure outcome. The authors’ case illustration demonstrates the technique for the hybrid transpalpebral approach. For the review, 273 unique articles were identified; 14 containing 74 treated patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Oculoplastic surgery was the most commonly involved specialty (5 of 14 studies), followed by ophthalmology (3 of 14). Coiling alone was the treatment of choice in 12 studies, with adjunctive use of Onyx (Medtronic) in 2.

LESSONS

The authors’ technical case description, video, illustrations, and review provide endovascular neurosurgeons with a systematic guide to conduct the procedure independently.

Amelioration of acute orbital compartment syndrome following transvenous embolization for an indirect carotid-cavernous fistula: A case report

RATIONALE

Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a rare occurrence after transvenous embolization of indirect carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). A lateral canthotomy and cantholysis are the most commonly performed surgical interventions. In our case, as the acute OCS occurred immediately after an uneventful transvenous embolization, an orbital floor orbitectomy was performed.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we present a rare case of a 59-year-old patient who required a transvenous embolization of an indirect CCF and subsequently immediately developed an acute OCS.

DIAGNOSES

An indirect CCF was revealed using brain magnetic resonance angiography and a transvenous embolization of the fistula was performed using coils. Post-embolization angiograms revealed an occlusion of the CCF.

INTERVENTIONS

After the development of a relative afferent pupillary defect and acute OCS, we performed a lateral canthotomy, superior and inferior cantholysis, and an orbital floor orbitectomy. Subsequently, visual acuity and intraocular pressure improved.

LESSONS

Our case is the first report of acute OCS occurring after transvenous embolization of a CCF that required further orbital floor decompression to prevent permanent visual loss. Moreover, our case demonstrates that acute OCS may rapidly develop after transvenous embolization due to superior ophthalmic venous (SOV) thrombosis and that an early intervention may reduce the risk of visual impairment.

Anatomical localization of the cavernous sinus dural fistula by 3D rotational angiography with emphasis on clinical and therapeutic implications

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Carotid cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSDAVFs) are presumed to be located within the walls of the cavernous sinus, however the exact fistulous site has not yet been studied by angiographic or anatomical methods. The present study aimed to localize CSDAVFs with the help of 3D rotational angiography (RA) and correlated the observations with clinical and angiographic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CSDAVFs were categorized as dural, extradural or osseous based on the site of convergence of feeders into the venous sac. Extradural CSDAVFs were further subcategorized into posteromedial, posterolateral and anterior subtypes, depending on proximity to a possible venous plexus. This classification was correlated with various clinical presentations and angiographic subtypes.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. The sac was identified in all the patients and the mean sac size of the fistula was small (<4mm). Dural type was associated with exclusive cortical venous drainage. Extradural anterior CSDAVF showed tendency towards younger age predilection. Extradural posterolateral CSDAVF was more often associated with initial oculomotor nerve palsy and this observation was statistically significant. Discordancy between the location of the fistula and the side of clinical affection was observed in midline fistulas such as osseous CSDAVF and posteromedial type of extradural CSDAVF.

CONCLUSIONS

CSDAVF is a heterogeneous vascular disorder involving the sphenoclival bone, extradural space and dura, homologous to the epidural-dural shunts of vertebra with a common clinical presentation of orbital manifestations. Preoperative localization of the fistula could explain enigmatic observations and potentially simplify its interventional management.

Transvenous embolization in spontaneous direct carotid-cavernous fistula in childhood

Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal arteriovenous communication in the cavernous sinus. Direct CCF results from a tear in the intracavernous carotid artery. Typically, it has a high flow and usually presents with oculo-orbital venous congestive features such as exophthalmos, chemosis, and sometimes oculomotor or abducens cranial nerve palsy. Indirect CCF generally occurs spontaneously with subtle signs. We report a rare case of spontaneous direct CCF in childhood who did not have the usual history of craniofacial trauma or connective tissue disorder but presented with progressive chemosis and exophthalmos of the right eye. This report aims also to describe the safety and success of transvenous embolization with coils of the superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus through the inferior petrosal sinus.

Embolization of carotid-cavernous fistula via direct percutaneous puncture of the inferior ophthalmic vein

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are anomalous connections between the carotid circulation and the cavernous sinus, and may cause significant morbidity. Endovascular treatment of these lesions can be challenging if typical transvenous routes are inaccessible. We describe a case of a Barrow type D carotid-cavernous fistula in which transvenous embolization was attempted via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS). No connection was found to the fistula, and the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) was thrombosed. A novel direct percutaneous puncture of the IOV was performed with ultrasound guidance showing that this is a safe alternative route of CCF access and embolization when the IPS and SOV are inaccessible.