Pseudoaneurysm formation following transarterial embolization of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula with detachable balloon:An institutional cohort long-term study

BACKGROUND The goal of therapy for traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula(TCCF)is the elimination of fistula while maintaining patency of the parent artery.The treatment for TCCF has evolved from surgery to endovascular management using detachable balloons,coils,liquid embolic agents,covered stents,or flow-diverter stent through arterial or venous approaches.Despite the withdrawal of detachable balloons from the market in the United States since 2004,transarterial embolization with detachable balloons has currently remained the best initial treatment for TCCF in several countries.However,the pseudoaneurysm formation following transarterial detachable balloon embolization has rarely been observed in long-term follow-up.AIM To determine the occurrence and long-term follow-up of pseudoaneurysm after transarterial detachable balloon for TCCF.METHODS Between January 2009 and December 2019,79 patients diagnosed with TCCF were treated using detachable latex balloons(GOLDBAL)of four sizes.Pseudoaneurysm sizes were stratified into five grades for analysis.Initial and follow-up assessments involved computed tomography angiography at 1 month,6 month,1 year,and longer intervals for significant cases.Clinical follow-ups occurred semi-annually for 2 years,then annually.Factors analyzed included sex,age,fistula size and location,and balloon size.RESULTS In our cohort of 79 patients treated for TCCF,pseudoaneurysms formed in 67.1%,with classifications ranging from grade 0 to grade 3;no grade 4 or giant pseudoaneurysms were observed.The majority of pseudoaneurysms did not progress in size,and some regressed spontaneously.Calcifications developed in most large pseudoaneurysms over 5-10 years.Parent artery occlusion occurred in 7.6%and recurrent fistulas in 16.5%.The primary risk factors for pseudoaneurysm formation were identified as the use of specific balloon sizes,with balloon SP and No.6 significantly associated with its occurrence(P=0.005 and P=0.002,respectively),whereas sex,age,fistula size,location,and the number of balloons used were not significant predictors.CONCLUSION Pseudoaneurysm formation following detachable balloon embolization for TCCF is common,primarily influenced by the size of the balloon used.Despite this,all patients with pseudoaneurysms remained asymptomatic during long-term follow-up.

Ruptured venous aneurysm associated with a dural arteriovenous fistula:Two case reports

BACKGROUND In general,venous aneurysm associated with dural arteriovenous fistula(dAVF)is considered to be developed under long standing venous hypertension and manifested as venous ectasia of draining vein itself.However,discrete saccular shaped venous aneurysm without angiographic evidence of venous hypertension arising from the draining vein,like cerebral arterial aneurysm,is quite rare and its pathomechanism remains unclear in patients with dAVF.CASE SUMMARY In this report,we present two cases of ruptured saccular venous aneurysms associated with dAVF without venous hypertension or venous ectasia.In both cases,significant curve or stenosis is observed in draining vein,which is located in just distal portion of the venous aneurysms.These aneurysms were successfully treated with a transarterial embolization.Underlying mechanism of venous aneurysms in these cases is discussed.CONCLUSION Although there is little doubt that hemodynamic stress has a critical role in the development of venous aneurysms in patients with dAVF,preceding venous hypertension or venous ectasia is not necessary for development and enlargement of venous aneurysms.Considering the significant risk of rupture,a careful review of draining vein features including tortuosity or stenosis is needed,especially in venous aneurysms without evidence of venous hypertension.

Endovascular management of carotid-cavernous fistulas

Objective To investigate endovascular treatment of traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) and their complications such as pseudoaneurysms. Methods: Over a five-year period, 22 patients with traumatic direct CCFs were treated endovascularly in our institution. Thirteen patients were treated once with the result of CCF occluded, 8 twice and 1 three times. Treatment modalities included balloon occlusion of the CCF, sacrifice of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery with detachable balloon, coil embolization of the cavernous sinus and secondary pseudoaneurysms, and covered-stent management of the pseudoaneurysms. Results All the direct CCFs were successfully managed endovascularly. Four patients developed a pseudoaneurysm after the occlusion of the CCF with an incidence of pseudoaneurysm formation of 18.2% (4/22). A total number of 8 patients experienced permanent occlusion of the ICA with a rate of ICA occlusion reaching 36.4% (8/22). Followed up through telephone consultation from 6 months to 5 years, all did well with no recurrence of CCF symptoms and signs. Conclusion Traumatic direct CCFs can be successfully managed with endovascular means. The pseudoaneurysms secondary to the occlusion of the CCFs can be occluded with stent-assisted coiling and implantation of covered stents.

Carotid-cavernous fistula following mechanical thrombectomy of the tortuous internal carotid artery:A case report

BACKGROUND A carotid-cavernous fistula(CCF)is an abnormal connection between the internal carotid artery(ICA)and the cavernous sinus.Although direct CCFs typically result from trauma or as an iatrogenic complication of neuroendovascular procedures,they can occur as surgery-related complications after mechanical thrombectomy(MT).With the widespread use of MT in patients with acute ischemic stroke complicated with large vessel occlusion,it is important to document CCF following MT and how to avoid them.In this study,we present a case of a patient who developed a CCF following MT and describe in detail the characteristics of ICA tortuosity in this case.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old woman experienced weakness in the left upper and lower limbs as well as difficulty speaking for 4 h.The neurological examination revealed left central facial paralysis and left hemiplegia,with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 9.Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia and radial crown.Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated an occlusion of the right ICA and middle cerebral artery.Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated distal occlusion of the cervical segment of the right ICA.We performed suction combined with stent thrombectomy.Then,postoperative angiography was performed,which showed a right CCF.One month later,CCF embolization was performed,and the patient’s clinical symptoms have significantly improved 5 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION Although a CCF is a rare complication after MT,it should be considered.Understanding the tortuosity of the internal carotid-cavernous sinus may help predict the complexity of MT and avoid this complication.

Transarterial embolization of carotid-cavernous sinus fistula associated with a primitive trigeminal artery-case report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We evaluated our experience in placing detachable coils in the management of spontaneous CCFs due to rupture of a primitive trigeminal artery. Methods A 48-year-old female presented with right conjunctival chemosis and right abducens nerve paresis. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a right carotid-cavernous sinus fistula associated with persistent primitive trigeminal artery. Transvenous routes to the sinus were failed due to the tortuous facial vein. The fistula was treated by Matrix detachable coils and Fibered detachable coils through the transarterial approach. Results The patient was successfully treated by means of transarterial embolization, and symptoms improved within a week. Conclusions Although other techniques using a transvenous approach may also be useful, transarterial embolization with detachable coils should be a safe and effective method to immediately occlude the fistula.

Management of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula

Sixty-eight patients with traumatic carotid-cavemous fistula (TCCF) were treated by intravascular embolization. All patients were cured and 94.1% of internal carotid arteries were preserved. Proptosis, bruit and chemosis disappeared following embolization. The diagnosis and management of TCCF are also evaluated.

Application of hybrid operating rooms for treating spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

BACKGROUND A hybrid operating room(hybrid-OR)is a surgical space that combines a conventional operating room with advanced medical imaging devices.AIM To explore and summarize the technical features and effectiveness of the application of a hybrid-OR in dealing with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas(SDAVFs).METHODS Eleven patients with SDAVFs were treated with the use of a hybrid-OR at the Department of Neurosurgery of our hospital between January 2015 and December 2018.The dual-marker localization technique was used in the hybrid-OR to locate the SDAVFs and skin incision,and the interoperative digital subtraction angiography(DSA)technique was used before and after microsurgical ligation of the fistulae in the hybrid-OR to verify the accuracy of obliteration.The patients were followed for an average of 2 years after the operation,and the preoperative American Spinal Cord Injury Association(ASIA)score and postoperative ASIA score at 6 mo after the operation were compared.RESULTS The location and skin incision of the SDAVFs were accurately obtained by using the dual-marker localization technique in the hybrid-OR in all patients,and there were no cases that required expansion of the range of the bone window in order to expose the lesions.Intraoperative error obliteration occurred and was identified in two patients by using the intraoperative DSA technique;therefore,the findings provided by the intraoperative DSA system significantly changed the surgical procedure in these two patients.With the assistance of the hybrid-OR,the feeding artery was correctly ligated in all cases,and the intraoperative error obliteration rate decreased from 18.2%(2/11)to 0%.All 11 patients were followed for an average of 2 years.The ASIA score at 6 mo after the operation was significantly improved compared with the preoperative ASIA score,and there were no patients with late recurrence during the follow-up.CONCLUSION Compared with intra-arterial embolization for the treatment of SDAVFs,hybrid-ORs can solve the problem of a higher incidence of initial failure and late recurrence.Compared with direct occlusion of SDAVFs in microsurgery,hybrid-ORs can take advantage of the intraoperative DSA system for locating the shunt and verifying the obliteration of fistulae in order to reduce the error obliteration rate.At this point,our experience suggests that the safety and ease of use make hybrid-ORs combined with microsurgery and intraoperative DSA systems an attractive modality for dealing with SDAVFs.

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula presenting as myelopathy: Case series and review of literature

Dural arteriovenous fistula(DAVF) is a rare type of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Common presenting symptoms are related to hemorrhage. However, rarely these patients may present with myelopathy. We present two cases of DAVF presenting as rapidly progressive myelopathy. Two treatment options are available: microsurgical interruption of the fistula and endovascular embolization. These treatment options of DAVFs have improved significantly in the last decade. The optimal treatment of DAVFs remains controversial, and there is an ongoing debate as to whether primary endovascular or primary microsurgical treatment is the optimal management for these lesions. However, despite treatment a high percentage of patients are still left with severe disability. The potential for functional ambulation in patients with DAVF is related to the time of intervention. This emphasizes the important of early diagnosis and early intervention in DAVF. The eventual outcome may depend on several factors, such as the duration of symptoms, the degree of disability before treatment, and the success of the initial procedure to close the fistula. The usage of magnetic resonance imaging and selective angiography has significantly improved the ability to characterize DAVFs, however, these lesions remain inefficiently diagnosed. If intervention is delayed even prolonged time in rehabilitation does not change the grave prognosis. This review outlines the presentation, classication and management of DAVF as well as discussing patient outcomes.

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 veinIPSA 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.

Overview of multimodal MRI of intracranial Dural arteriovenous fistulas

Dural arteriovenous fistulas(DAVFs)include a wide range of pathological conditions that are associated with intracranial vessel abnormalities.While some types of DAVFs present with typical neuroimaging characteristics,others share overlapping pathological and neuroimaging features that can hinder accurate differentiation.Hence,misclassification of the various types of DAVFs is common.Thorough knowledge of DAVF imaging findings is essential to avoid such misinterpretations.Traditional digital subtraction angiography(DSA)is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and evaluating DAVFs.However,angiography cannot detect changes in a patient’s brain structure.Conventional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)sequences,including MR angiography(MRA),allow the evaluation of DAVFs without ionizing radiation or invasiveness.Advanced MRI techniques,such as susceptibility-weighted imaging(SWI)and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRA,provide added value to real-time physio-pathological data regarding the hemodynamics of DAVFs.Beyond these techniques,new insights using high-resolution vascular wall MRI are incorporated for the noninvasive evaluation of DAVFs.This article reviews the pathophysiology of DAVFs,focusing on the specifics of MRI findings that facilitate their classification.The role of conventional and advanced MRI sequences for DAVFs was assessed using insights derived from the data provided by structured reports of multimodal MRIs to evaluate DAVFs.

Transvenous injection of n-Butyl cyanoacrylate combined with placement of coils in cavernous sinus for treatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae

Objective： To evaluate the technical aspects, efficacy and safety in the treatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae （DAVF） by transvenous liquid n-Butyl cyanoacrylate （NBCA） injection combined with coils placement in the cavemous sinus. Methods： Eight patients with cavernous DAVF, treated by transvenous embolization with combination of detachable coils and glue between February 2006 and February 2009 in our hospital, were retrospectively analyzed, including the clinical presentations, patterns of angioarchitecture, methods of treatment and the results of follow-up. Results： In all 8 patients, 9 transvenous and 1 transarterial interventions were carried out. A single endovascular procedure was performed in 6 patients and 2 patients had to be treated twice. Of the nine transvenous approaches, eight approaches were performed via inferior petrosal sinus （IPS） and 1 via the facial vein. Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in all patients immediately after the embolization. There was no procedure-related morbidity except for mild headache for one to seven days after the embolization. Clinical cure was achieved in all cases during the clinical follow-up periods, ranging from 8 months to 3 years. The follow-up angiography periods averaged 6.6 months with a range of 5-9 months, in which no recurrence was observed. Conclusion： In this small series, embolization with combination of glue and detachable coils by transvenous approaches was a safe, effective and economical method for the treatment of part of symptomatic patients presenting with complex cavernous DAVE

Transvenous embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula of cavernous region by multiple venous routes

Objective：To evaluate the safety and efficiency of transvenous embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula of cavernous region by multiple venous routes. Methods： Twenty seven patients with dural arteriovenous fistula of cavernous region were treated by transvenous embolization with micro-coils. The transvenous routes included inferior petrosal sinus, superior ophthalmic vein and facial vein. Results： Clinical cure was achieved in 23 cases and significant improvement of symptoms in 4 cases. Complete anglographic obliteration was documented in 22 patients （82%）. Residual shunting were left in 2 patients via pterygoid drainage and 1 case via inter-cavernous sinus, 2 cases via inferior petrosal sinus, disappeared one month later by manual compression carotid artery. Headache and vomiting were the most common symptoms after embolization. Three patients had diplopia and relieved within two months after embolization. There was no permanent procedure-related morbidity. The clinic follow up ranged from 5 months to 6 years, and there was not recurrence case. Conclusion： Transvenous embolization via different venous routes is a safe and efficient method for dural arteriovenous fistula of cavernous region treatment.

MR Visualization of Spinal Dural Arterio-Venous Fistula Using T2-Weighted 3D SPACE—A Spin-Echo Technique

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF) account for about 70% of all spinal AV shunts. We re-port on a 56-year-old male patient with progressive neurological symptoms. Pre- and post-contrast MR imaging of the spine, including contrast-enhanced MR angiography was done on a 1.5 T MR scanner. In addition a special (pre-contrast) 3D turbo-spin-echo sequence with variable flip angle evolution (SPACE) was performed providing a slice thickness of 0.9 mm. T2-weighted images showed extensive widened and tortuous vascular structures with typical flow voids intradurally due to dilated pial veins. The origin of the spinal dural arteriovenous fistula was found to be the radiculomeningeal artery at level D10/11 on the left side, visualized by the T2-weighted 3D SPACE sequence and CE MRA. After imaging the patient was referred to an interventional neuroradiology department for therapy. With the detailed information from MR imaging concerning the fistula level the interventional radiologist was able to find the fistula immediately and consequently treated it successfully by endovascular therapy. Interpreting the MR images of this obvious case of a SDAVF, SPACE sequence after post processing with 3D MPR software directly led to the location of the AV shunt at D10/11 on the left side, better than 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography did. Therefore, SPACE can be a useful adjunct in further evaluation of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula and especially in defining fistula level.

Multimodal MRI diagnosis and transvenous embolization of a basicranial emissary vein dural arteriovenous fistula:A case report

A dural arteriovenous fistula(DAVF) is an abnormal linkage connecting the arterial and venous systems within the intracranial dura mater. A basicranial emissary vein DAVF drains into the cavernous sinus and the ophthalmic vein, similar to a cavernous sinus DAVF. Precise preoperative identification of the DAVF location is a prerequisite for appropriate treatment. Treatment options include microsurgical disconnection, endovascular transarterial embolization(TAE), transvenous embolization(TVE), or a combination thereof. TVE is an increasingly popular approach for the treatment of DAVFs and the preferred approach for skull base locations, due to the risk of cranial neuropathy caused by dangerous anastomosis from arterial approaches. Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) can provide anatomical and hemodynamic information for TVE. The therapeutic target must be precisely embolized in the emissary vein, which requires guidance via multimodal MRI. Here, we report a rare case of successful TVE for a basicranial emissary vein DAVF, utilizing multimodal MRI assistance. The fistula had vanished, pterygoid plexus drainage had improved, and the inferior petrosal sinus had recanalized, as observed on 8-month follow-up angiography. Symptoms and signs of double vision, caused by abduction deficiency, disappeared. Detailed anatomic and hemodynamic assessment by multimodal MRI is the key to guiding successful diagnosis and treatment.

Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Preliminary Report of Arterial Spin Labeling

Purpose: We report the results of applying arterial spin labeling (ASL) to intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Methods: Sixteen patients with angiographically confirmed DAVF underwent ASL on a clinical 1.5 T or 3 T MR system. ASL was performed by Q2TIPS (second version of quantitative imaging of perfusion by using a single subtraction MRI pulse sequence with thin-slice TI1 periodic saturation) with echo-planar imaging. Draining veins such as dural venous sinus and cortical veins were evaluated on ASL. Results: ASL clearly depicted draining dural venous sinus in all patients with DAVF Borden type I (6/6, 100%) and type II (4/4, 100%). ASL depicted cortical venous reflux in only one patient with DAVF Borden type II (1/4, 25%). ASL depicted drainage directly into cortical veins in all patients with Borden type III (6/6, 100%). Conclusion: Our preliminary study suggests that ASL can depict draining veins in patients with DAVF.

Undiagnosed Anterior Cranial Fossa Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Intracranial Hematoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature about Its Natural History

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) of an anterior cranial fossa are rare. Because of the high risk of intracranial hemorrhage and relatively easy access for direct surgery, aggressive treatment has been recommended. The natural history of anterior cranial fossa dAVFs (ACF dAVFs) is unclear in spite of many reports for the natural history of general dAVFs. To treat ACF dAVFs, direct surgery has traditionally been performed and endovascular surgery has recently been introduced. A 74-year-old man was transferred with severe consciousness disturbance and presented with devastating intracerebral hemorrhage on the CT scan. Digital subtraction angiography revealed the ACF dAVFs with a large venous pouch. The patient received direct surgery, nevertheless he became vegetative state. Later on, a smaller venous pouch was recognized on the CT scan when he had suffered from the thalamic hemorrhage sixteen months before. There are twelve cases including our case which was treated for a certain period and documented in detail. Eleven of twelve cases were asymptomatic. Three of the six cases with a venous pouch had some events possibly related to the disease, though none of the six cases without a venous pouch had any events during observation. In conclusion, an ACF dAVF with a venous pouch should be treated by direct surgery or endovascular surgery even if it is incidentally found. By contrast, careful observation might be a possible therapeutic option for an ACF dAVF without a venous pouch if there is mild reflux flow.

Application of intraoperative indocyanine green videoangiography in the surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography in surgical management of spinal dural ateriovenots fistulae (dAVFs) . Methods In this retrospective analysis we examined nine cases of dAVFs,diagnosed by complete spinal angiography,in which laminoplasty were performed through posterior approach. An operating microscope-integrated light

Transvenous treatment of a complex cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula secondary to balloon embolization of a traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula

Although recurrent traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula （CCF） and its treatment have beenreported sporadically,^1 a complex cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula （DAVF） secondary to balloon embolization of a direct traumatic CCF is rare. In 2005, we treated such a case via transvenous approach using coils and N-buty-2- cyanoacrylate （NBCA）. The causes of recurrent cavernous sinus DAVF and its endovascular approach are discussed.

Management of Carotid Carvenous Fistula in Ghana;Challenges and Opportunities

Carotid-cavernous fistula is an abnormal communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The fistula is classified based on its etiology, haemodynamic and anatomical configuration. The most common type is the direct high flow fistula resulting from trauma. Indirect fistula which is less common results from underlying conditions such as hypertension, collagen vascular diseases, pregnancy amongst others. It is in regards with this uncommon occurrence of indirect fistula that we report a case of forty years old woman who presented with a left protruding eyeball and headache a month after delivery and was diagnosed with spontaneous type D indirect carotid cavernous fistula with rapidly progressing symptoms. She was referred abroad for interventional radiological services due to unavailability of such services in our facility and country.

误诊为炎性脊髓病的硬脊膜动静脉瘘临床分析

目的 探讨硬脊膜动静脉瘘(SDAVF)的临床表现、影像学特点、诊治方法和误诊原因、防范措施。方法 对2016年3月-2018年3月收治的被误诊为炎性脊髓病的SDAVF 2例的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 2例分别因渐进性双下肢麻木、力弱伴尿便障碍5月余,以及行走不稳50 d、加重伴颈痛、呕吐45 d入院。均误诊为炎性脊髓病,误诊时间分别为5月余及50 d。后经仔细阅片发现磁共振影像上可见髓周流空信号影,完善脊髓血管造影后确诊为SDAVF。1例于等待院外介入治疗过程中死亡,1例行介入治疗后院外死亡。结论 SDAVF临床表现不典型,易误诊,仔细询问病史、查体,认真阅影像片,必要时行脊髓血管造影是避免该病误诊的关键。