Transarterial and transvenous embolization for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae

Indications for alternative endovascular techniques in carotid-cavernous fistulas: A 20-year single-center experience

BACKGROUND

While coiling is considered the standard treatment for carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs), studies demonstrating excellent results using new materials, especially flow diverter (FD) stents and liquid embolisates, are becoming more frequent. The indications and effectiveness of these alternative endovascular techniques remain unclear.

METHODS

A total of 22 direct and 20 indirect CCFs were included in the study. These were further subdivided based on the embolic material used: coils versus FD stents for direct and coils versus liquid embolisates for indirect CCFs. The subgroups were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

An angiographic cure was achieved in 88% of all CCFs, 93% of patients' experienced clinical improvement or remained stable. Direct CCFs were treated with coiling (41%) or with both coils and FD stents (55%). One (4%) patient with a direct CCF was treated with FD stent alone. Statistical analysis comparing these subgroups revealed a significantly higher complete occlusion rate immediately after treatment in the coiling subgroup (67% vs. 23%, p = 0.0409). The occlusion rates at the last follow-up were similar (89% vs. 85%). Indirect CCFs were treated with coiling (35%) or liquid embolisates (65%). All three periprocedural ischemic complications were recorded within the liquid subgroup, resulting in a significantly higher clinical deterioration rate (p = 0.0333).

CONCLUSION

FD stents in direct and liquid embolisates in indirect fistulas did not demonstrate better angiographic or clinical outcomes compared to convetional coiling. Liquid agents carried a higher risk of ischemic complications. Alternative embolization materials should be reserved for CCFs that cannot be treated with simple coiling.

Our Experience of Eight Patients with Dural Arteriovenous Fistula's at Foramen Magnum with Respect to Presentation, Angioarchitecture, and Endovascular Treatment Outcomes

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) around foramen magnum (FM) with peri medullary venous drainage, are uncommon and have wide spectrum of presentation. Literature about this lesion is sparse. We intent to analyze and report our experience with these cases with respect to presentation, evaluation, and endovascular treatment outcomes.

Materials and Methods All the eight patients who were diagnosed with DAVFs at FM and treated with transarterial embolization using ethylene viny alcohol were included in this study. Clinical record sheets, radiological, and angiographic data of these patients were retrieved from our departmental database.

Results Duration of symptoms ranged from 1 day to 3 years. Presentation with progressive ascending sensory symptoms and weakness (N = 4), acute headache (N = 2) acute quadriplegia (N = 1), and right ear bruit (N = 1) was seen. Exclusive feeders from occipital artery (OA) and vertebral artery (VA) were seen in two and four patients, respectively. Dual feeders from a combination of ascending pharyngeal artery and VA; from a combination of OA and VA were seen in one patient each. The exclusive venous drainage to spinal peri medullary veins (N = 3), brain stem peri medullary veins (N = 1), and both combined (N = 4). Two patients had a draining vein aneurysm. Complete obliteration of fistula was achieved in all patients. Complete resolution of symptoms was seen in six patients; two patients had significant improvement.

Conclusion The clinical presentation of dural AVF at foramen magnum is wide ranging and these lesions can be treated effectively and safely by transarterial embolization. Duration of symptoms strongly influences the final patient outcome.

What is the most effective method to treat indirect carotid-cavernous fistula?

To review the most relevant treatment options for indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas (iCCF), cohorts of 20 patients or more published after 2000 were analyzed. Clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as embolization techniques and material, had to be clarified in the study to be considered. Statistical analysis was based on calculating the relative percentage of therapeutic methods or embolic material, followed by calculating parametric and nonparametric correlations. Some 22 studies and 1550 patients were included. Transvenous embolization (TVE) was used in 53% of the patients and was strongly associated with coiling (rw = 0.66, p = 0.0.0012; rs = 0.53, p = 0.0138), transarterial embolization (TAE) was preferred in 11% of the patients and was strongly linked to liquid embolics (rw = 0.44, p = 0.0434;rs = 0.64, p = 0.0018). A combination of TAE and TVE treatment was used in 7% and a combination of embolic materials in 13% of the patients. None of the endovascular techniques or embolization materials showed significant superiority over the others in clinical outcome and obliteration rate. Radiosurgery in 22% and mechanical compression in 5% of patients showed a lower obliteration rate (rw =  - 0.48, p = 0.0254; rs =  - 0.45, p = 0.0371). The clinical outcomes were comparable to endovascular treatment (EVT). The remaining 2% of the patients were treated by open surgery or a combination of EVT and radiosurgery. Transvenous coiling is the preferred EVT method for iCCF. However, comparable results may be accomplished with TAE using liquid. Radiosurgery may achieve a lower percentage of fistula occlusion, but the clinical results are equal to EVT.

UPDATE ON MANAGEMENT OF DURAL ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAS

Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVF) represent about 10% of all intracranial vascular lesions. Although they seem benign in nature, the presence of retrograde venous makes them aggressive, with a high risk of complications. Patients may be clinically asymptomatic or experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe hemorrhage, depending on their location. Different treatments are available, but recently, the development of catheter intervention allows most patients to be cured with transcatheter embolization. Stereotactic radiosurgery achieves excellent rates of obliteration for low-grade lesions. In this review, we try to highlight the recent advances in the management of dural AVF.

Endovascular Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas. Institutional Series, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Endovascular treatment represents the first-line therapy for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS-dAVF); however, different approaches and embolic agents as well as occlusion rates, complications and clinical outcomes are reported among the published series. In this study we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes after endovascular treatment of CS-dAVFs.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were screened for a comprehensive literature review from 1990 to 2020 regarding series of patients treated for CS-dAVF with endovascular approaches. We performed a proportion meta-analysis estimating the pooled rates of each outcome also including data of patients treated in our center.

Results

A total of 22 studies reporting 1043 patients and 1066 procedures were included. Chemosis was reported in 559 out of 1043 patients (45.9%), proptosis in 498 (41.5%), and ophthalmoplegia in 344 (23.5%). A transvenous embolization was preferred in 753 cases (63.2%) and coils were used in 712 out of 1066 procedures (57.8%). Overall, 85% (95% confidence interval, CI 69.5–96.1%) of patients had a complete resolution of symptoms, while complications occurred in 7.75% (95% CI 3.82–12.7%) with minimal permanent deficits (0.15%). The mortality rate was 1 out of 1043 patients (< 0.001).

Conclusion

A transvenous coiling is the most common endovascular approach for CS-dAVF, achieving a high percentage of radiological and clinical resolution and low complication rates. Transvenous approaches show less complications than transarterial ones, and coils appear safer than liquid embolic agents.

Endovascular Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae: Review of the Literature and Current Status

Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae (CSdAVFs) are characterized by the shunts between dural arteries and dural veins surrounding the cavernous sinus (CS), causing ocular symptoms in addition to intracranial hemorrhage and infarction. As surgical access is difficult, endovascular treatment (EVT) has been considered and performed as the first-line therapy for decades. Although there have been recent advances in techniques and devices, transvenous embolization (TVE) with platinum coils remains the most common procedure. There are multiple access routes to the CS, such as the inferior petrosal sinus, superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), and intercavernous sinus from the contralateral CS. To extirpate the shunt, packing the entire sinus with coils is adopted, occasionally resulting in persistent cranial nerve palsy (CNP) due to compression of the coil mass. To avoid this complication, selective shunt occlusion (SSO), in which the coils are placed in the shunted pouch (SP) defined by the small restricted space where the arterial flow converges, is an effective and safe method. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is another option and use of liquid embolic materials, such as Onyx may be promising; however, the potential risk of ischemic nerve injury due to undesirable ante/retrograde influx of the liquid materials is of concern. In conclusion, EVT, especially TVE, is a safe and effective method for managing CSdAVFs. Understanding the angioanatomy consisting of the feeding artery, shunt point, and the drainage route, including the latent vessels, is essential for a good outcome.

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.

Treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula using different surgical approaches: Analysis of 32 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

Transarterial and transvenous embolization methods are considered effective and safe approaches for the treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). Here., we report the angioarchitectural features and clinical outcomes of CSDAVF in patients treated with either the inferior arterial approach (IAA) or the inferior petrosal sinus approach (IPSA).

METHODS

The clinical data of 32 patients with CSDAVF treated at our institution from May 2008 to May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent routine diagnostic digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before surgery. Embolization was performed using the IPSA through the internal jugular vein or IAA, based on angioarchitectural features.

RESULTS

Of the 32 patients with CSDAVF, 24 underwent embolization treatment through the internal jugular vein-IPSA and 8 patients underwent treatment through IAA. Nineteen patients in the IPSA group experienced mild headache, which improved after specific treatment. The immediate postembolization angiographic results revealed complete occlusion in 26 cases (18 IPSA and 8 IAA) and almost complete occlusion in 6 cases (IPSA). Complications that occurred during the procedure included abducens nerve palsy (n = 1, IPSA) and prosopoplegia (n = 1, IAA). One patient developed tinnitus, which was diagnosed as anterior cranial fossa new-onset dural arteriovenous fistula on DSA, whereas the symptoms of other patients all improved with no recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the angioarchitectural features of CSDAVF, IAA can be considered the primary treatment when the blood-supplying artery and fistula are relatively singular, and when the microcatheter can easily reach the fistula through the artery. The venous approach should be selected as the primary approach when the fistula is indistinguishable and blood is supplied by multiple arteries through small plexiform vessels. Choosing the optimal surgical approach may increase the success rate of intravascular CSDAVF surgery and may help avoid complications.

Focus on the target: Angiographic features of the fistulous point and prognosis of transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula

Background and purpose Transvenous embolization (TVE) is widely utilized as an effective and safe treatment option for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-dAVF); however, detecting the exact location of the fistula is challenging. The present study identified the angiographic features of the fistulous point and evaluated the match with the microcatheter tip and fistulous point. Materials and methods An analysis cohort of 45 consecutive patients with CS-dAVF treated by TVE was analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, 22 matches and 23 mismatches, according to whether the fistulous point and the microcatheter tip were in the same compartment of the cavernous sinus (CS). The angiographic findings, the location of the fistulas, the position of the microcatheter tips, the volume of embolic materials, complications, and outcomes were assessed. Results Several angiographic features defined the fistulous points, such as the early opacified area, jellyfish-like sign, changes in the density of the contrast medium, the juncture of different arterial supply, enlarged feeders, and hand-injection angiograms. The fistulas were primarily in the posterosuperior portion of the CS (80%) and medial side (73.3%) according to the internal carotid artery. Both groups achieved effective TVE; the matched group required less embolic material than the mismatched group ( p = 0.024). The patients with cranial nerve dysfunction (CND) required more embolic materials than others ( p = 0.032). Conclusion The fistulous point in most of the CS-dAVFs could be isolated by careful analysis of the angiography images. The matching of the microcatheter tip and fistulous point in the same compartment of CS can reduce the dosage of embolic materials, and a low volume of embolic materials might cause fewer CND complications.

Transvenous embolization of dural carotid cavernous fistulas: the role of liquid embolic agents in association with coils on patient outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Transvenous embolization is the standard treatment for dural carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCF). Although various embolic materials have been used, the best embolic material for the treatment of DCCF is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of different embolic materials used for the endovascular treatment of DCCF.

METHODS

A retrospective data analysis of a consecutive series of 62 patients presenting DCCF was performed. Clinical and radiological data from patients were assessed, and the embolic material used-coils or liquids-were compared between two groups of patients.

RESULTS

Complete angiographic occlusion of DCCF after treatment was achieved in 83.9% of the patients (52/62). We found a higher rate of complete occlusion of DCCF when liquids were associated with coils than with coils alone (96.5% vs 71.8%, p=0.01), and no differences in complication rates or clinical outcomes were seen between the two groups. At the 6-month follow-up, we found a higher rate of improvement in ocular symptoms compared with cranial nerve palsy improvement (94.7% vs 77.7%, p=0.02). Two patients (3.2%) had treatment-related complications without clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

In this study, in comparison with the use of coils alone, the association of transvenous embolization with liquid embolic agents for DCCF treatment resulted in higher rates of complete occlusion without increasing complication rates. The clinical outcome at the 6-month follow-up showed significant improvement in ocular symptoms over cranial nerve palsy regression, which was independent of the embolic agent chosen for treatment.

Transarterial Onyx Embolization for Patients with Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Who Have Failed Transvenous Embolization

Transvenous embolization is the treatment of choice for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (csDAVFs) despite occasional difficulty in transvenous catheterization. We reported our experience in the treatment of csDAVFs by transarterial Onyx embolization in patients who had failed transvenous catheterization. We reviewed the clinical and radiographic records of csDAVFs patients receiving transarterial Onyx embolization after failed transvenous Onyx embolization at our institution over a period of 31 months. Success was defined as complete or near complete occlusion upon angiographic examination. In seven cases, the microcatheter failed to reach the cavernous sinus; in the remaining case, the internal jugular vein was occlusive. Eight sessions of the embolization and catheterization procedures via the arterial routes were conducted. Among them, five cases via the middle meningeal artery and the other three via the accessory meningeal artery. Angiography, immediately after embolization, revealed complete occlusion in seven cases (87.5 %) and partial occlusion in the remaining case. Angiographic follow-up (range, 6-10 months) showed that all patients achieved complete embolization. In cases where transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus is difficult, transarterial embolization of the fistulas offers a safe and effective alternative.

Detachable-Tip Microcatheters for Liquid Embolization of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations and Fistulas: A United States Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved a detachable-tip microcatheter, the Apollo microcatheter (eV3, Inc, Irvine, California), to prevent catheter entrapment during embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) using liquid embolic systems.

OBJECTIVE

To report technical aspects and clinical results of cerebral embolizations with the Apollo microcatheter in 7 embolizations in 3 adult patients.

METHODS

A 62-year-old man presented with an AVM in the parieto-occipital region measuring 3.6 × 1.6 cm with major cortical feeders from the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and minor contribution from the distal right anterior cerebral artery. Two pedicles originating from the MCA were embolized. A 48-year-old woman presented with a left frontal AVM measuring 3.3 × 1.8 cm with arterial feeders from the left MCA, left middle meningeal artery, and contralateral anterior cerebral artery. Three pedicles originating from the left MCA were embolized. A 76-year-old man presented with an arteriovenous fistula with multiple fistulous connections and feeders from both vertebral and occipital arteries and the left posterior cerebral artery draining into the left transverse, torcula, and left sigmoid sinus. Two major occipital artery feeders were embolized.

RESULTS

Seven Apollo microcatheters were used with the Onyx 18 liquid embolic system. The length of the detachable tip was 15 mm in 2 and 30 mm in 5 embolizations. The mean microcatheter in-position time within the pedicle was 20 minutes. Detachment of tip occurred in 3 instances. No limitations in accessing target arterial feeders and safe tip disengagement were noted despite prolonged injection times.

CONCLUSION

Our initial experience supports the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of detachable-tip microcatheters in treating brain AVMs and arteriovenous fistulas.

Direct percutaneous transorbital puncture under fluoroscopic guidance with a 3D skull reconstruction overlay for embolisation of intraorbital and cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas

OBJECTIVE

To describe the direct percutaneous transorbital puncture technique for embolisation of the selected intraorbital and cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula, which failed to be treated by conventional endovascular techniques.

METHODS

One case of intraorbital and five cases of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula were embolised through direct percutaneous transorbital puncture in 2012, and the clinical data were reviewed. Under fluoroscopic guidance with a three-dimensional (3D) skull reconstruction overlay, the cavernous sinus or ophthalmic vein was punctured via the superior orbital fissure. Then a microcatheter was inserted via the needle, and Onyx was injected to embolise the fistula with or without a combination of coils.

RESULTS

Complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved in all six patients. After operation all the patients experienced transient swelling of the punctured orbit persisting for three to five days. No other complications occurred. Follow-up of six patients at three to six months showed resolution of their initial neuro-ophthalmological symptoms in five and left visual loss in one did not recover. Six months follow-up angiogram showed no recurrence of these fistulas.

CONCLUSION

Direct percutaneous transorbital puncture provides an option for the intraorbital and cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas, particularly when the conventional transvenous routes are inaccessible. Overlay of the 3D skull reconstruction can facilitate the precise puncture of the superior orbital fissure.

Long-Term Endovascular Treatment Outcome of 46 Patients with Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Presenting with Ophthalmic Symptoms. A Non-Controlled Trial with Clinical and Angiographic Follow-up

Ocular symptoms are regularly observed in patients with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (cDAVF). We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of endovascular approaches in patients with cDAVF presenting with different ocular symptoms. In a prospective study between June 2008 and March 2013, 46 patients with ocular symptoms due to cDAVF who were not eligible for conservative therapy, met the inclusion criteria and underwent endovascular treatment. They underwent a transarterial approach with histoacryl glue injections or transvenous coil embolization, all in one session. They were followed up for a mean period of 17.3 months (range 7 to 30 months) clinically and using angiography. The mean age of patients was 36.8 years (18-60) and 65% of them were male. All patients showed venous drainage into the superior and inferior orbital veins. Access to the cavernous sinus was transvenous in ten patients, transarterial in 26 patients, and mixed in ten patients. Initial symptoms were improved in 97.8% of patients and did not recur during the study follow-up. The procedural complications included: blurred vision, transient sixth nerve palsy and exacerbation of chemoproptosis in two, one and two patients respectively that completely resolved in initial weeks with no recurrence. No patient worsened or developed new symptoms suggestive of a recurrent fistula during the follow-up period. One patient experienced intracranial dissection of the internal carotid artery and ischemic stroke with an unfinished procedure. The relief of early presentation was durable in long-term follow-up and the cured lesions were stable in angiographic controls. Favorable and durable outcomes could be obtained following endovascular approaches for cDAVF presenting with different ocular symptoms.

Onyx embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the cavernous sinus through the superior pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery

We report three cases of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) of the cavernous sinus treated by Onyx injection through the superior pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery. The treatment of choice of DAVFs of the cavernous sinus is endovascular, and it is preferentially done via transvenous occlusion of the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus can be reached through either the inferior petrosal sinus or the superior ophthalmic vein. When these venous routes are occluded, the first attempt is to pass through the occluded inferior petrosal sinus, but sometimes this attempt can fail. In some cases there are small transosseous feeders to the fistula arising from the superior pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery. When all of the more conventional approaches are unattainable, this route can be attempted. In our experience, it allowed safe and rapid occlusion of the fistula.