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.

Prognostic analysis and complications of traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas after treatment with detachable balloon and/or coil embolization

Objective: To explore the causes of the formation of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas and the therapeutic effect of detachable balloon and/or coil embolization and the prevention of its complications. Methods: From October, 1992 to March, 2002, 17 patients with traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas were treated with detachable balloon and/or coil embolization in our hospital. The clinical data and imaging features of CT, MR and selective angiogram of these patients were analyzed. Results: One week after treatment with embolization, the clinical symptoms of the 17 patients were remitted, and optic cacophony, nystagmus, exophthalmos and dropsy of conjunctiva disappeared. Two patients manifested surgical complications, one patient died. Sixteen patients survived. They were all followed up for more than 2 years, which showed one patient had handicap in movement, and in one patient the signs and symptoms of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas reoccurred 2 months after treatment. Conclusions: The detachable balloon and/or coil embolization is safe and reliable. It is a good method to treat traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas.

可脱性球囊栓塞治疗颈内动脉海绵窦瘘

目的 总结经动脉途径可脱性球囊栓塞治疗２０ 例颈内动脉海绵窦瘘的经验。方法 采用ＭａｇｉｃＢＤ 球囊导管和带标记乳胶球囊，在Ｘ 线电视屏幕监视下，经股动脉插管。在球囊内注入适量等渗非离子造影剂闭塞瘘口。结果 ２０ 例全部治愈，１ 次栓塞成功１６ 例。２ 次栓塞成功４ 例，颈内动脉通畅率７０ ％ ，无并发症。结论 本方法可作为颈内动脉海绵窦瘘的首选治疗方法，尽可能保留颈内动脉通畅，如侧枝循环好，亦可闭塞患侧颈内动脉。

可脱性球囊栓塞治疗外伤性颈内动脉-海绵窦瘘

目的:报告采用可脱性球囊栓塞治疗外伤性颈内动脉-海绵窦瘘(TCCF)10例,取得较为满意的效果.方法:经股动脉插管采用Magic 3F/1.8F可脱性球囊导管,用国产乳胶球囊闭塞瘘口,球囊充填剂为等渗的Ominipaque.结果:本组10例中1次栓塞成功7例,2次栓塞成功1例,1例部分栓塞,1例失败,治愈率为80%,6例颈内动脉保持通畅,1例术后球囊移位,3例出现脑血管痉挛.结论:可脱性球囊栓塞治疗TCCF是目前较为理想的治疗方法,但术中要尽量闭塞瘘口,保持颈内动脉通畅,并注意球囊移位及脑血管痉挛的发生.