Alternative route to a hypoglossal canal dural arteriovenous fistula in case of failed jugular vein approach

The combined transarterial and transvenous onyx embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula of hypoglossal canal via the external jugular vein and facial vein: A case report

Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the hypoglossal canal (HCDAVFs) involving the anterior condylar confluence (ACC) and anterior condylar vein (ACV) are infrequent. Although transvenous embolization through the internal jugular vein (IJV) is the preferred treatment option for type I and II fistulas, it can be difficult if the IJV is unavailable. Here we report a rare case of HCDAVF in which the most common transvenous embolization access via IJV was not available. The patient underwent transarterial and transvenous onyx embolization. Transarterial embolization (TAE) aimed at controlling the arterial inflow and subsequently TVE was performed via the external jugular vein (EJV), the facial vein, the ophthalmic vein, the cavernous sinus, ACC, and ultimately to the fistula pouch. Complete obliteration of the HCDAVF was achieved without complications. We suggest that transvenous embolization (TVE) via the EJV and the facial vein can be effective in cases where trans-IJV is not possible.