Clinical and angiographic characteristics of multiple dural arteriovenous shunts

Occurrence of Metachronous Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula after Embolization of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an abnormal arteriovenous shunt accounting for approximately 10%-15% of all intracranial vascular malformations. Most intracranial DAVFs are solitary, but multiple lesions at different sites can rarely occur. Most intracranial multiple DAVFs are synchronous types, whereas metachronous lesions are relatively uncommon. Herein, we report a rare case of metachronous DAVF occurring after the embolization of a preceding lesion in a 75-year-old female.

Occurrence of De Novo Dural Arteriovenous Fistula After Transvenous Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Case Reports of Two Patients

Development of de novo dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) at a different site after resolution of an initial DAVF, is rare. Here we report two cases, which we encountered in our hospital. A 68-year-old woman presented with pulsatile tinnitus on the left side. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a left anterior condylar confluence (ACC) DVAF and she underwent transvenous embolization. Four years after this treatment, she presented with tinnitus on the left side, and cerebral angiography revealed a right DAVF around the sinus of the lesser sphenoid wing. Another 69-year-old woman presented with left-sided orbital bruits, chemosis, and conjunctival hyperemia. Cerebral angiography showed left cavernous sinus (CS) DAVF, for which she underwent transvenous embolization for CS DAVF. One year later, she developed a left ACC and transverse-sigmoid sinus (TSS) DAVF.

OUP accepted manuscript

Paediatric intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts have clinical presentations and evolutions, with angiographic characteristics that differ from those described in adults. We report our experience concerning their therapeutic management, emphasizing the relevance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for satisfactory neurocognitive development. Using a prospective database, we reviewed the clinical and radiological data of all children with dural arteriovenous shunts managed between 2002 and 2020. Dural shunts were categorized into three types: dural sinus malformations with arteriovenous shunts; infantile dural arteriovenous shunts; and adult-type dural arteriovenous shunts. Therapeutic strategies and outcomes were analysed depending on lesional subtypes. Modified Rankin Scale for the paediatric population was assessed pre-treatment and at last follow-up. Twenty-eight patients [16 girls (57.1%); 12 boys (42.9%)] were included: 17 dural sinus malformation [10 boys (58.8%); seven girls (41.2%)], three infantile shunts [three girls (100%)], eight adult-type shunts [four girls (50%)]; four boys (50%)], with a mean age of 19.2 ± 36.6 months at presentation. Twelve (42.9%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2, four (14.3%) had a score of 3, three (10.7%) had a score of 4 and eight (28.6%) had a score of 5. Embolization was performed in 22 children [78.6%; 12 girls (54.5%); 10 boys (45.5%)]. Fifteen patients could be cured (68.2%): 11 dural sinus malformations (73.3%), four adult-type lesions (100%) but no infantile shunt. Mean post-treatment follow-up was 39.5 months (max. 139 months): 14 patients (63.6%) presented a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 and eight (36.4%) had a score ≥3. In the dural sinus malformation group, the modified Rankin Scale score was improved in 11 patients (73.3%) and unchanged in three (20%). Only one patient with infantile subtype (33.3%) improved clinically. In the adult-subtype group, all children (100%) improved. Of six untreated patients [four girls (66.7%); two boys (33.3%)], four with adult-subtype shunts showed uneventful evolutions, one with dural sinus malformation died, and therapeutic abortion was conducted in an antenatally diagnosed dural sinus malformation. Paediatric dural fistulas comprise different subtypes with variable clinical courses. Proper diagnosis is mandatory for optimal therapeutic strategies within appropriate therapeutic windows.

Multiple Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Manifesting as Progressive Otalgia and Tinnitus and Treated Using a Single Session of Endovascular Embolization

Background

Multiple cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are considered to be an uncommon vascular condition. dAVFs usually manifest with vague symptoms, which are related to the site of occurrence of the lesion and present with complex angio-architectural features, which in turn can render treatment procedures difficult. Appropriate treatment that aims to reduce the risk of intracranial bleeding and manage the patient’s symptoms requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Case Presentation

The patient was a 62-year-old man who developed symptoms of progressive right-sided otalgia and tinnitus. Cross-sectional imaging revealed long-standing venous congestion with intracranial hemorrhage in the right parieto-occipital region. Moreover, cerebral angiography demonstrated multiple complex dAVFs at the right transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus (TS-SS) junction, right posterior condylar confluence (PCC), and torcula. Treatment consisted of one session of endovascular treatment, in which transarterial Onyx embolization was used to treat the dVAF at the right TS-SS junction, transvenous coil embolization for the dVAF at the right PCC, and particle embolization for both occipital arteries feeding the torcular dAVF. Postoperative improvement with favorable clinical outcomes was observed at the patient’s last follow-up visit.

Conclusion

Multiple cranial dAVFs are an uncommon vascular lesion, which can present with unusual symptoms such as otalgia. Moreover, a single session of endovascular therapy can treat this lesion, ie, it can improve the patient’s symptoms and provide a beneficial long-term outcome.

Efficiency of Endovascular Therapy for Bilateral Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

BACKGROUND

The principles of endovascular treatment of bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-dAVF) are not well established because of the complexity in the number of fistula tracts and their behavior, which seems to be more aggressive. We aimed to determine an efficient technique for endovascular treatment of bilateral CS-dAVF and the associated factors to achieve good clinical and angiographic outcomes.

METHODS

The data were analyzed from 165 consecutive patients diagnosed with CS-dAVF from January 2005 to September 2018. The demographic data included approaching route, embolization times, embolization material, sequence of embolization, number of embolization sessions, and angiographic and clinical outcomes. Interrater agreement of bilateral CS-dAVF diagnosis was performed using the κ coefficient. The factors associated with treatment outcome were analyzed using a Pearson χ² test.

RESULTS

Bilateral CS-dAVF was detected in 43 patients (26%). Angiographic presentations that showed evidence of sinus thrombosis, dangerous venous drainage, and higher Satomi classification were more commonly found in bilateral CS-dAVF than in unilateral CS-dAVF. Good clinical outcome and cure from angiography were obtained in 90% and 74%, respectively. Ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus-intercavernous sinus-contralateral cavernous sinus catheterization was the major approach route of treatment. The factors associated with improved clinical outcome were transvenous approach, shunt closure, coil embolization, and sequencing the embolization (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dangerous venous drainage tends to increase in bilateral CS-dAVF. Retrograde ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus catheterization using coil embolization and sequencing the embolization are the major concerns for treatment.

Multiple Cranial Dural and Pial Arteriovenous Fistulas with Occlusion of All After Embolization of Primary Superior Sagittal Sinus Dural Fistula

BACKGROUND

We present a rare case of multiple intracranial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). A young female presented with headache and a left eyelid pulsatile swelling.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated numerous dilated cortical veins, along with a prominent left superior ophthalmic vein. A diagnostic cerebral angiogram revealed 5 distinct AVFs including 4 dural AVFs (dAVFs) and a pial AVF (pAVF). The largest dAVF was at the superior sagittal sinus. The others included bilateral ethmoidal, torcular, and a pAVF arising of the right pericallosal artery. She was treated by endovascular transarterial Onyx embolization. Only the superior sagittal sinus fistula was treated via middle meningeal artery feeders with complete occlusion. Immediate follow-up angiogram also showed complete spontaneous occlusion of the untreated dAVFs and pial AVF.

CONCLUSIONS

This case is exceedingly unique considering the multiplicity of AVFs, concurrent presence of pial and dural AVF, and spontaneous occlusion of all untreated AVFs after embolizing the largest shunting fistula.

Long-standing tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula presenting as progressively worsening cervical myelopathy by degenerative cervical intervertebral disc: a case report

We report a rare case of long-standing asymptomatic tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) presenting as symptomatic progressive cervical myelopathy which was caused by the protrusion of degenerative cervical intervertebral discs into the spinal canal and compression of the anterior spinal vein. The cervical spinal canal was narrowed, and the spinal cord was compressed anteriorly by protrusion of cervical intervertebral discs at the C6-7 level. The intervertebral discs compressed the draining vein of the tentorial DAVF (the anterior spinal vein) so venous congestion of the spinal cord resulted in cervical myelopathy only above the C6 level.

Endovascular management of multiple intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Multiply occurring intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) have been documented but rarely occur, and neither pathogenesis nor prognosis is clearly understood. This study was conducted to analyze angiographic characteristics of multiple dAVFs and to chronicle our treatment experience.

METHODS

Between April, 2002 and January, 2018, data prospectively collected from 310 patients with intracranial dAVFs were systematically reviewed, assessing clinical and anatomic outcomes of endovascular treatment in 32 patients with multiple dAVFs (≥ 2 fistulas each). Lesions were categorized as multifocal or diffuse type, depending on presentation, and further characterized as progressive or non-progressive disease.

RESULTS

Overall, 18 patients (56.3%) experienced aggressive presentations, including intracerebral hemorrhage or venous infarction. Cortical venous reflux (CVR) was observed in 26 patients (81.3%), and sinus thrombosis or occlusion was seen in 24 (75.0%). Clinical outcomes in patients with multifocal fistulas (n = 11) were excellent (100%), marked by a moderately high rate of complete occlusion (54.5%). Those with progressive disease (n = 10) regularly displayed certain angiographic findings, namely diffuse configuration (100%), sinus thrombosis (100%), and CVR (100%). Complete anatomic obliteration was achieved in 12 patients (37.5%), and in 26 patients (81.3%), clinical outcomes were favorable.

CONCLUSION

Multiple dAVFs are typically aggressive at presentation, given strong associations with CVR and sinus thrombosis. In diffuse-type fistulas, the potential to recur or progress is high. Although definitive treatment poses a challenge, outcomes of endovascular therapeutics may be still optimized in this setting through strategic procedural modifications and careful follow-up monitoring.

Endovascular Treatment of Bilateral Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Therapeutic Strategy and Follow-Up Outcomes

Objective

Bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSdAVF) is very rare, even in Asian countries. The research intended to present clinical and radiologic outcomes of treating such fistulas through endovascular embolization.

Materials and Methods

Data was obtained from 220 consecutive patients, with CSdAVF, who were treated from January 2004 to December 2015. Bilateral CSdAVF was identified in 17 patients (7.7%). The clinical and radiologic outcomes of the fistulas were assessed with an emphasis on the technical aspects of treatment.

Results

At the time of treatment, 7 and 10 patients presented with bilateral and unilateral symptoms, respectively. In the former cases, 4 patients had progressed from unilateral to bilateral symptoms. Bilateral fistulas were treated with a single-stage transvenous embolization (TVE) in 15 patients, via bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses (IPS) (n = 9) and unilateral IPS (n = 6). In the other 2 patients with one-sided dominance of shunting, only dominant fistula was treated. Two untreated lesions were found on follow-up to have spontaneously resolved after treatment of the dominant contralateral fistula. Of the 34 CSdAVF lesions, complete occlusion was achieved in 32 lesions after TVE. Seven patients (41.2%) developed worsening of cranial nerve palsy after TVE. During the follow-up period, 4 patients obtained complete recovery, whereas the other 3 remained with deficits.

Conclusion

With adjustments of endovascular procedures to accommodate distinct anatomical configurations, endovascular treatment for bilateral CSdAVF can achieve excellent angiographic occlusion results. However, aggravation of symptoms after TVE may occur frequently in bilateral CSdAVF. In the patients with one-sided dominance of shunt, treatment of only dominant fistula might be an alternative option.

Progress in research on intracranial multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas

Intracranial multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas (MDAVFs) are rare lesions that are difficult to treat. The key factors involved in the development of MDAVFs remain unknown. At present, the majority of reports on intracranial MDAVFs are confined to case reports and small case series, and thus understanding of MDAVFs is limited. The current review assesses the available literature to date with the aim of reviewing the progress in research on intracranial MDAVFs. Intracranial MDAVFs may be divided into two types: Synchronous and metachronous. While the exact pathogenesis of MDAVFs is unknown, a number of possible mechanisms are considered relevant. The first is that MDAVFs develop following recanalization of a large sinus thrombosis that involves several sinuses. The second possibility is that a pre-existing DAVF may induce sinus thrombosis or venous hypertension, resulting in a new MDAVF. The third is that MDAVFs are caused by increased angiogenic activity, which may induce the development of MDAVFs. Intracranial MDAVFs have a malignant clinical course, and their symptoms generally rapidly progress following onset. It is therefore important to identify intracranial MDAVFs at an early stage. A number of imaging technologies, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), may be used to detect MDAVFs. Of these, CT and MRI provide information on brain morphology, SPECT provides brain blood flow information, and DSA is the gold standard that may be used to identify angioarchitecture and hemodynamics. MDAVFs require timely and aggressive treatment, which may include endovascular embolization, surgical resection, radiosurgery and conservative treatment, and in some cases, combined treatments are required. Appropriate and aggressive treatment regimens can markedly improve neurological deficits and cognitive function in patients with MDAVFs.

A Case of De Novo Anterior Condylar Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Long after Curative Transvenous Embolization of Contralateral Anterior Condylar Arteriovenous Fistula

We report on a 55-year-old man who developed a de novo DAVF in left ACC 5 years after curative transvenous embolization for DAVF in right ACC. Angiography revealed that the de novo lesion demonstrated more aggressive arteriovenous shunt flow than the initial lesion. Successful transvenous embolization was performed for also the second lesion. The authors describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms and management strategies for this rare occurrence.

Progressive versus Nonprogressive Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Characteristics and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A minority of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas progress with time. We sought to determine features that predict progression and define outcomes of patients with progressive dural arteriovenous fistulas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective imaging and clinical record review of patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula evaluated at our hospital.

RESULTS

Of 579 patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas, 545 had 1 fistula (mean age, 45 ± 23 years) and 34 (5.9%) had enlarging, de novo, multiple, or recurrent fistulas (mean age, 53 ± 20 years; P = .11). Among these 34 patients, 19 had progressive dural arteriovenous fistulas with de novo fistulas or fistula enlargement with time (mean age, 36 ± 25 years; progressive group) and 15 had multiple or recurrent but nonprogressive fistulas (mean age, 57 ± 13 years; P = .0059, nonprogressive group). Whereas all 6 children had fistula progression, only 13/28 adults (P = .020) progressed. Angioarchitectural correlates to chronically elevated intracranial venous pressures, including venous sinus dilation (41% versus 7%, P = .045) and pseudophlebitic cortical venous pattern (P = .048), were more common in patients with progressive disease than in those without progression. Patients with progressive disease received more treatments than those without progression (median, 5 versus 3; P = .0068), but as a group, they did not demonstrate worse clinical outcomes (median mRS, 1 and 1; P = .39). However, 3 young patients died from intracranial venous hypertension and intracranial hemorrhage related to progression of their fistulas despite extensive endovascular, surgical, and radiosurgical treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Few patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas follow an aggressive, progressive clinical course despite treatment. Younger age at initial presentation and angioarchitectural correlates to venous hypertension may help identify these patients prospectively.

Transverse and Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Mimicking Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Carotid Cavernous Fistula

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) can produce a variety of symptoms depending on fistula location, size, and venous drainage. Although cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) classically present with symptoms of orbital venous congestion due to retrograde venous drainage into the superior ophthalmic vein (i.e. an arterialised "red eye") (Miller NR. Neurosurg Focus 2007;23:1--15), dAVFs not localised to the cavernous sinus rarely present with a "red eye" and instead produce increased intracranial pressure, which can mimic idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The authors present a unique case of an intracranial dAVF with clinical features suggestive of both CCF and IIH. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility to avoid delayed diagnosis of the intracranial dAVF.