Resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas arteriovenosas durales espinales en un centro Argentino / Surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: Management and long-term results in a series of patients operated in an Argentinian center

Resumen Introducción: La fístula dural arteriovenosa espinal (FDAVE) es una enfermedad vascular frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El tratamiento puede ser microqui rúrgico o endovascular. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de pa cientes con FDAVE tratados por microcirugía entre los años 2010 y 2021. Fueron evaluados parámetros como edad, sexo, cuadro clínico pre y postoperatorio medido con las escalas de Aminoff-Logue y Rankin modificada (mRs). Los estudios diagnósticos se utilizaron para de terminar nivel lesional y resultados quirúrgicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron doce pacientes (10 hombres y 2 mujeres) con un promedio de edad de 60 años. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico al diagnóstico fue menor a 12 meses salvo un caso de 32 meses. Las FDAVE fueron localizadas, 8 a nivel dorsal, 3 a nivel lumbar y una a nivel sacro. La arteria de Adamkiewicz se identificó en 5 casos en L1, 2 en D12, 2 en D10, 2 en D9 y un caso en D7. De los 12 pacientes operados, 3 fueron embolizados previamente; dos permanecieron estables en su evolución y 10 mejoraron uno o más puntos del mRs. No hubo complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Todos mostraron mejoría del edema medular en reso nancia magnética y la angiografía digital, luego de los 6 meses, fue negativa. El seguimiento promedio fue de 40 meses con un rango de 6 a 122 meses y ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la FDAVE. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAVE es un método muy eficaz, de baja morbilidad y menor tasa de recurrencia comparado con el tratamiento en dovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDA VF) is a rare vascular disease, of unknown etiology, fre quently underdiagnosed. Treatment can be microsurgical or endovascular. Methods: Retrospective and monocentric analysis of 12 SDAVF patients treated by microsurgery between 2010 and 2021. Parameters including age, sex, pre and postoperative clinical condition were analyzed according to modified Aminoff-Logue and Rankin scales. Diagnos tic studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA), were evaluated for lesion level, as were surgical results. Results: Twelve patients (10 men and 2 women), average age: 60 years, were operated. The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was <12 months in all cases except one (32 months). SDAVF locations were thoracic in 8 cases, between T6 and T12, 3 at lumbar spine (L1- L2) and at S1 in one case, with no difference regarding side. The Adamkiewicz artery was identified in 5 cases at L1, 2 at D12, 2 at D10, 2 at D9 and 1 at D7 (7 left-sided and 5 right-sided). Three of the 12 patients operated had undergone prior embolization. Postoperative neu rological outcomes showed: 2 patients remained stable and 10 improved one or more points on the mRs; no postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up MRI images improved in all cases and spinal DSA was negative at 6 months. Average follow-up was 40 months (range 6 to 122) and no patient presented recurrence. Conclusion: Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF proved to be efficient, with low morbidity and lower recurrence rates compared to endovascular results.

A 44-year-old male Filipino with Spontaneous Acute Subdural Hematoma and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage caused by a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Occipital Lobe: A case report

Introduction@#Spontaneous acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is rare and comprises 2.6% of all ASDH. In one recent study, only 178 spontaneous ASDH were documented. However, only 1 case was attributed to dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). Vascular malformations cause less than 10% of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Spontaneous ASDH and SAH occurring together are extremely rare. Literature is scarce on cases with dAVF of the occipital lobe as a cause of simultaneous spontaneous ASDH and SAH. @*Objective@#This paper aims to present a case of a spontaneous acute subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a dural arteriovenous fistula of the occipital lobe, along with its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. @*Case Summary@#A 44-year-old Filipino male with no history of trauma presented with severe headache, vomiting, and decreasing sensorium – CT scan revealed acute parenchymal bleed in the left occipital lobe with subarachnoid extension and subdural hematoma in the left fronto-parieto-temporal convexity along the tentorium cerebelli and posterior interhemispheric falx. Due to the location of the lesion seen on the CT scan and the gender distribution, Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was initially considered, thus proceeded to computed tomography angiogram (CTA) to establish the diagnosis of vascular anomaly, however, revealed dAVF instead. Four-vessel angiogram was done to assess the tributaries of the dAVF and confirmed the diagnosis. Complete obliteration of dAVF of the occipital lobe was done with Onyx Embolization in one session. @*Conclusion@#This is the first case of Borden type II, Cognard type IIa+IIb dAVF, as reported in this institution. Although extremely rare as a cause of SAH and ASDH, dAVF should be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with no identifiable common cause of the new onset of severe headache and poor neurologic status.

Malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / High-flow vascular malformations of the brain in pediatrics: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo son poco comunes en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del trabajo es diferenciar y agrupar estas enfermedades según edad de debut, manifestaciones clínicas y angioarquitectura.Población y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas, los estudios por imágenes y los protocolos de procedimientos de pacientes del Hospital J. P. Garrahan con diagnóstico de malformaciones vasculares cerebrales desde enero de 2010 hasta enero de 2020.Resultados. Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron 131 pacientes con malformaciones arteriovenosas con nido (MAV) y 52 con fístulas directas (sin nido), entre los que se hallaron 19 malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 23 fístulas piales y 10 fístulas durales. La edad promedio fue de 105 meses para las MAV, 1,7 meses para las malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 60,5 meses para fístulas piales y 41 meses para fístulas durales.Conclusión. Según su angioarquitectura, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo tuvieron nido (MAV) o fueron fístulas directas (malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, fístulas piales y fístulas durales). Las MAV se manifestaron a partir de la primera infancia, sobre todo, por hemorragia intracraneana. Las fístulas directas se expresaron en la primera etapa de la vida, frecuentemente, con insuficiencia cardíaca.

Introduction. High-flow vascular malformations of the brain are uncommon in pediatrics. The objective of this study is to establish the differences among these pathologies and group them by age at onset, clinical manifestations, and angioarchitecture.Population and method. This was a retrospective and observational study. The medical records, imaging studies, and procedure protocols of patients seen at Hospital J. P. Garrahan diagnosed with vascular malformations of the brain between January 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed.Results. A total of 183 patients met the inclusion criteria. It was possible to identify 131 patients with arteriovenous malformations with a nidus (AVMs) and 52 with direct fistulas (without a nidus), including 19 vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 23 pial fistulas, and 10 dural fistulas. The average age of patients was 105 months for AVMs, 1.7 months for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 60.5 months for pial fistulas, and 41 months for dural fistulas.Conclusion. Based on their angioarchitecture, high-flow vascular malformations of the brain presented a nidus (AVMs) or direct fistulas (vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, pial fistulas, and dural fistulas). AVMs were observed in early childhood, especially due to intracranial hemorrhage. Direct fistulas occurred in the first stage of life, commonly with heart failure.

Microcirugía de las fístulas durales arteriovenosas espinales, más un repaso de la anatomía vascular vertebromedular / Microsurgery of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas, plus a review of the vertebromedullary vascular anatomy

Introducción: la fístula dural arteriovenosa espinal (FDAVE) es una enfermedad vascular rara, de etiología desconocida y frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El tratamiento puede ser microquirúrgico o endovascular. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 8 pacientes consecutivos con FDAVE tratados por microcirugía entre 2010 y 2020. Fueron evaluados parámetros como edad, sexo, cuadro clínico pre y postoperatorio medido con las escalas de Aminoff-Logue y Rankin modificada. Los estudios diagnósticos con RMN (Resonancia Magnética Nuclear), ARM (Angio Resonancia Magnética) y ADM (Angiografía Digital Medular) se utilizaron para determinar nivel lesional y resultados quirúrgicos. Resultados: Fueron operados 8 pacientes (7 masculinos y 1 femenino) con un promedio de edad de 58 años. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico al diagnóstico fue menor a 12 meses salvo un caso de 32 meses. Las FDAVE fueron localizadas en: 6 a nivel dorsal entre D6 y D12, una en L2 y la última en S1 (5 derechas y 3 izquierdas). La arteria de Adamkiewicz se identificó en: 4 casos en L1, 2 en D12, 1 en D10 y un caso en D7 (6 izquierdas y 2 derechas). De los 8 pacientes operados, 3 fueron embolizados previamente. La evolución postoperatoria del cuadro neurológico fue: 2 de 8 permanecieron estables y 6 de 8 mejoraron uno o más puntos en la escala de Rankin modificada; no hubo complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Todos los pacientes mejoraron las imágenes en RMN diferida y la ADM luego de los 6 meses fue negativa. El seguimiento promedio fue de 48 meses con un rango de 11 a 116 meses, ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la FDAVE. Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAVE es un método muy eficaz, de baja morbilidad y menor tasa de recurrencia comparado con el tratamiento endovascular.

Introduction: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a rare vascular disease, of unknown etiology and frequently underdiagnosed. Treatment can be microsurgical or endovascular. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of a series of 8 SDAVF patients treated by microsurgery between 2010 and 2020. Parameters including age, sex, pre and postoperative clinical condition were analyzed according to modified Aminoff-Logue and modified Rankin scales. Diagnostic studies such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) and spinal DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography), were evaluated for lesion level, as were surgical results. Results: Eight patients (7 male and 1 female), average age of 58 years were operated. The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was less than 12 months in all cases except one (32 months). SDAVF locations were thoracic in 6 cases between T6 and T12, at L2 in one and at S1 in one case (5 on the right and 3 on the left). The Adamkiewicz artery was identified in: 4 cases at L1, 2 at D12, 1 at D10 and in one case at D7 (6 left-sided and 2 right-sided). Three of the 8 patients operated had undergone prior embolization. Postoperative neurological outcomes showed: 2 patients remained stable and 6 had improved one or more points on the modified Rankin scale; no postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up MRI images improved in all cases and spinal DSA was negative at six months. Average follow-up was 48 months (range 11 to 116 months), no patient presented recurrence. Conclusions: Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF proved to be efficient, with low morbidity and lower recurrence rates compared to endovascular results.

Obstructive Hydrocephalus Produced by Venous Ectasia of Dural AV Fistula

Dural arteriovenous fistula (Dural AVF) is an anomalous shunt between dural arterial and venous channels. About 10–15% ofall intracranial vascular malformation are dural fistulas which represent anomalous shunts among arterial branches and duralvenous sinuses, meningeal, or cortical veins.We are presenting a rare case of dural AVF treated by transarterial embolizationand complicated by hydrocephalus.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking ischemic stroke and treated with intravenous thrombolysis

@#Stroke patients are evaluated with a non-contrasted brain computed tomography (CT) scan for decision-making for intravenous thrombolysis. We report a case of a patient who presented with receptive aphasia, and was administered IV alteplase after the non-contrasted brain CT showed no contraindication. However, a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) was detected on the subsequent CT angiography performed in the consideration for endovascular therapy. The patient developed fatal symptomatic intra-cerebral hemorrhage, despite subsequent cessation and reversal of thrombolysis. This case highlights how early CT angiography can be useful in hyper-acute stroke patients beyond the detection of large vessel occlusions, with its ability in revealing stroke mimics such as dural arteriovenous fistula and other contraindications to thrombolysis, which may be missed on the noncontrasted brain CT.

Middle meningeal vein dural arteriovenous fistula: A report of nine cases and literature review / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To summarize the clinical symptoms, imaging features and endovascular treatment outcomes of the middle meningeal vein dural arteriovenous fistula (MMV-DAVF). Methods The data of nine MMV-DAVF patients admitted to our hospital from Jan. 1999 to Apr. 2020 were retrospectively collected. A total of 16 Chinese and English articles, including 23 cases of MMV-DAVF, were retrieved from the database between Jan. 1, 1960 and Aug. 30, 2020. The clinical symptoms, imaging features and endovascular treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results Of the nine MMV-DAVF patients in our hospital, seven patients had a clear history of head trauma. Headache (five cases) and intracranial murmur (five cases) were the most common clinical symptoms. Six patients had computed tomography (CT) data, and four of them had skull fracture and five had intracranial hemorrhage. All the nine patients were drained from the middle meningeal vein (MMV) to adjacent venous sinus or venous plexus. The nine patients were treated with Onyx-18 glue endovascular intervention via middle meningeal artery (MMA) approach, and seven patients had complete embolization immediately after operation and two had subtotal embolization. No recurrence or new onset of DAVF was found in four patients having CT data half a year after operation. Among the 32 patients from our hospital and literatures, 26 patients (81.2%) had a clear history of head trauma, 16 patients (50.0%) suffered from headache, and 12 patients (37.5%) suffered from intracranial murmur. Twenty-five patients had CT data, including 21 patients (84.0%) with skull fracture, 16 patients (64.0%) with intracranial hematoma. Twenty patients (62.5%) were treated with endovascular interventional therapy via MMA approach, and 16 patients (80.0%) had complete embolization immediately after operation. Among them, seven cases had imaging follow-up data half a year after operation, and no recurrence or new onset of DAVF was found. Conclusion MMV-DAVF is rare, and many patients have head trauma history combined with skull fracture or intracranial hematoma. Endovascular embolization via MMA approach is safe and effective in treating MMV-DAVF.

A case of dural arteriovenous fistula suspected temporal arteritis and literature review / 中国脑血管病杂志

Dural arteriovenous fistula is a rare subtype of intracranial arteriovenous malformation, accounting for 10%-15% of all intracranial vascular malformations, with the characteristic of pathological anastomosis between the dural branch of the dural artery or intracranial artery and dural vein, or meningeal vein, or cortical vein. In this paper, a patient with headache suspected of temporal arteritis was analyzed retrospectively. Ultrasonography showed that arteriovenous fistula supplied by bilateral branches of the superficial temporal artery of the external carotid artery is likely. Finally, a dural arteriovenous fistula was diagnosed using digital subtraction angiography. The case shows that patients with headaches should also pay attention to other rare diseases causing headaches excepted for the temporal arteritis in practice.

Fístula arteriovenosa dural espinal: a propósito de un caso / Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report

Las fístulas arteriovenosas durales medulares son malformaciones vasculares adquiridas que constituyen una causa muy infrecuente de mielopatía progresiva (5-10 casos por millón de habitantes por año). La resonancia magnética es el estudio por imágenes de elección para su diagnóstico. A continuación presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 89 años, que consultó a la guardia de nuestra institución por un cuadro de paraparesia moderada asociada a parestesias e incontinencia urinaria posterior a esfuerzo físico. Se le diagnosticó una fístula arteriovenosa dural medular como causante de su cuadro. (AU)

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF) are acquired spinal vascular malformations and a rare cause of progressive myelopathy (5-10 new cases per year and per 1 million inhabitants). Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnosis modality of choice. We present a case of a 89-year-old female patient who consulted the emergency department of our institution because of paraparesis and lower extremities paresthesias associated with urinary incontinence post physical effort. With the final diagnosis of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula, as a cause of the clinical symptoms. (AU)

Embryological Consideration of Dural AVFs in Relation to the Neural Crest and the Mesoderm / 신경중재치료의학

Intracranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are vascular pathologies of the dural membrane with arteriovenous shunts. They are abnormal communications between arteries and veins or dural venous sinuses that sit between the two sheets of the dura mater. The dura propria faces the surface of brain, and the osteal dura faces the bone. The location of the shunt points is not distributed homogeneously on the surface of the dural membrane, but there are certain areas susceptible to DAVFs. The dura mater of the olfactory groove, falx cerebri, inferior sagittal sinus, tentorium cerebelli, and falx cerebelli, and the dura mater at the level of the spinal cord are composed only of dura propria, and these areas are derived from neural crest cells. The dura mater of the cavernous sinus, transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus, and anterior condylar confluence surrounding the hypoglossal canal are composed of both dura propria and osteal dura; this group is derived from mesoderm. Although the cause of this heterogeneity has not yet been determined, there are some specific characteristics and tendencies in terms of the embryological features. The possible reasons for the segmental susceptibility to DAVFs are summarized based on the embryology of the dura mater.

Microsurgical accurately treated spinal dura! arteriovenous fistulas with intraoperative spinal digital subtraction: report or 2 cases and review of the literatures / 中国脑血管病杂志

Hie medical records of 2 case∗ of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) treated in the hybrid operating room were analyzed retrospective])- and die relevant literatures were reviewed to evaluate the clinical value of intraoperative 9pinal digital subtraction angiography (SDSA) combined with image fusion technology. Both case9 were diagnosed by spinal angiograms before operation. Both fistulas were accurately found at thoracic level and surgically disconnected in the hybrid operating room. The modified Aminoff- Loguc scores (mALS) was used to evaluate the spinal function. Intraoperative SDSAs were performed immcdiaicly after disconnections, and the fistulas were showed to be completely disappeared. The duration of intraoperative SDSAs and Image fusion for fistula localization were 70 and 60minutes respectively. No SDSA-redated complications happened. "Hie clinical symptoms of both patients improved variously during 12-14 months of follow-up. The decreasing of mALS were 6 and 5 points respectively. Our experience indicated that intraoperative SDSA combining image fusion technology was helpful for precisely localizing the fistulas of SDAVF,making their surgeries less invasive and the surgical disconnections more reliable.

Intravenous methylprednisolone-induced lower limb paraplegia exacerbation in spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: A case report / 中国脑血管病杂志

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is difficult to make early diagnosis for non-specific clinical manifestations and imaging features. A patient of SDAVF with lower limb paraplegia exacerbation after intravenous methylprednisolone was reported. The patient was mainly characterized by low back pain and numbness of bilateral lower limbs. He was misdiagnosed as lumbar disc herniation and acute myelitis. After intravenous methylprednisolone 1 000 mg for more than 10 hours, the patient's lower limb weakness aggravated significantly than before. Later spinal angiogram confirmed SDAVF. The author summarized the clinical and imaging characteristics of SDAVF,and analyzed the diagnosis and treatment of the disease with literature review.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Direct Puncture and Onyx Embolization for Transverse Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Direct puncture and embolization of the transverse sinus (TS) for treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is typically performed with coils with or without glue. We report a case of DAVF at the left TS that was treated with Onyx embolization via direct puncture of the TS. A 75-year-old woman presented with tremor, festinating gait, and dysarthria. A left TS-DAVF with retrograde superior sagittal sinus and cortical venous reflux (Cognard type IIa+b) was identified on cerebral angiography, and both TSs were occluded with thrombi. We considered that achieving complete cure by transvenous embolization via the femoral vein or transarterial embolization via occipital feeders would be difficult. Thus, we performed a small craniotomy at the occipital bone to puncture the TS. The midportion of the TS was directly punctured with a 21-G microneedle under fluoroscopic guidance. We inserted a 5-F sheath into the TS. A microcatheter was then navigated into the affected sinus. Coils were placed through the microcatheter to support Onyx formation by reducing the pressure of shunting flow. Onyx embolization was performed with the same microcatheter. The DAVF was almost completely occluded except for the presence of minimal shunting flow to the proximal TS. After 1 week, time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography showed complete resolution of DAVF. The patient showed resolved tremor and markedly improved mental status at 1-month follow up. Direct puncture and embolization of the TS using coils and Onyx is effective and feasible method for the treatment of DAVF when other approaches seem difficult.

Fístula Carótido Cavernosa. Utilidad del ultrasonido Doppler en el diagnóstico / Cavernous carotid fistula. Utility of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis

Resumen Introducción: Las fístulas carótido cavernosas son malformaciones vasculares infrecuentes que generan un shunt arteriovenoso patológico que compromete el funcionamiento ocular. El diagnóstico definitivo se establece a través de una arteriografía cerebral. Sin embargo, su carácter invasivo limita su uso en el seguimiento. El objetivo de este trabajo es ilustrar el valor del estudio con ultrasonido doppler transcraneal para el diagnóstico y describir los parámetros de flujo que pudieran modificarse. Pacientes: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos con diagnóstico de fistula carótido cavernosa en la unidad de ictus del Hospital CQ Hermanos Ameijeiras de La Habana, entre enero de 2005 y mayo de 2014. Se recogieron variables demográficas y de la enfermedad, así como los resultados de los estudios de imagen y ultrasonido. Resultados: Se describen las características clínicas e imagenológicas de tres enfermos en los que se confirmó el diagnóstico. En los dos pacientes con comunicaciones directas, se registró un aumento de la velocidad media de flujo en la vena oftálmica, arterializada, con disminución de la pulsatilidad; sumado a aumento en la velocidad de pico diastólico en la arteria carótida interna ipsilateral a la fístula. En el paciente con la fístula indirecta los cambios fueron menos marcados. Conclusión: El estudio con ultrasonido fue de utilidad en el diagnóstico de las fístulas carótido cavernosa. Mostró diferencias en parámetros de flujo que pueden servir para clasificar las fistulas.

Abstract Introduction: Carotid cavernous fistulas are infrequent vascular malformations that generate a pathological arteriovenous shunt, which compromises ocular function. The definitive diagnosis is established by cerebral arteriography. However, its invasive nature limits its use in follow-up. The aim of this work is to illustrate the value of the study with transcranial doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis of cavernous carotid fistulas and to describe the flow parameters that could be modified. Patients: A retrospective review of the clinical histories of the patients treated with a diagnosis of cavernous carotid fistula was carried out in the stroke unit of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana, between January 2005 and May 2014. Demographic and disease variables were collected, as well as the results of imaging and ultrasound studies. Results: We describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of three patients in whom carotid cavernous fistula was confirmed. In the two patients with direct communications, an increase of the mean flow velocity in the ophthalmic vein, arterialized, with decrease in pulsatility were registered; in addition to an increase in the diastolic peak velocity in the internal carotid artery ipsilateral to the fistula. In the patient with the indirect fistula the changes were less marked. Conclusion: The ultrasound study was useful in the diagnosis of carotid cavernous fistulas, showing differences in the flow parameters that can be used to classify the fistulas.

Caso de desafío diagnóstico: fístula dural / Diagnostic challenge case: dural fistula

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino, de 69 años, que refiere tinnitus pulsátil de dos meses de evolución percibido en la región retroauricular derecha. Se presentan los hallazgos en estudios de imágenes, diagnóstico y se presenta una corta revisión del tema.

We present the case of a female patient, 69 years old, who reported pulsatile tinnitus since two months ago perceived in the right retroauricular region. We present the findings in image studies, diagnosis and a short review about the topic.

Embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula of anterior cranial fossa via sphenopalatine artery:a effect analysis / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To preliminarily discuss the safety and effectiveness of embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula of anterior cranial fossa via sphenopalatine artery. Methods From January 2002 to June 2017,the clinical data of 7 patients with dural arteriovenous fistula of anterior cranial fossa embolized via sphenopalatine artery at Department of Neurosurgery,Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University were analyzed retrospectively.There were 6 men and 1 woman,their mean age was 60.4 ± 3.6 years.One patient had subarachnoid hemorrhage with hematoma,6 had non-specific symptoms. The technical methods and complications via sphenopalatine artery embolization were analyzed.The occlusion of the proximal drainage vein with the embolization agent was used as the standard for successful embolization.They were all clinically followed up at 6 months after procedure. Results (1)Five patients selected sphenopalatine artery as the preferred treatment.After embolization failed in other treatment approaches,2 patients were re-embolized via sphenopalatine artery. Five lesions were successfully embolized via sphenopalatine artery,including the sphenopalatine artery as the preferred treatment approach in 4 cases,the sphenopalatine artery as a remedial embolization approach after the failure of other arterial approaches in 1 case.Transsphenoidal artery failed to occlude the lesions in 2 cases,including successful embolization of other blood supply artery in 1 case during the operation,and postoperative angiography revealed that the lesion was almost completely occluded in the other 1.All patients recovered well without complications after procedure.(2)All patients were followed up for 6 months after procedure.The patients did not have blurred vision and other new neurological disorders, and they did not have new intracranial hemorrhage and nasal symptoms.Two of them underwent angiographic follow-up at admission.The immediate angiography in 1 patient showed that his lesion completely disappeared,At 6 months after operation,angiography revealed that the lesion was recurrence-free. The immediate angiography in 1 patient showed that his lesion nearly completely disappeared.At 4 months after operation, angiography revealed that the lesion disappeared completely. Conclusions Embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas of anterior cranial fossa via sphenopalatine artery is a feasible,safe and effective treatment. It is also the treatment option after other poor arterial approach or failure of other arterial approach.

A Rare Case of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage caused by Ruptured Venous Varix Due to Dural Arteriovenous Fistula at the Foramen Magnum Fed Solely by the Ascending Pharyngeal Artery

Dural arteriovenous fistula (D-AVF) at the foramen magnum is an extremely rare disease entity. It produces venous hypertension, and can lead to progressive cervical myelopathy thereafter. On the other hand, the venous hypertension may lead to formation of a venous varix, and it can rarely result in an abrupt onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) when the venous varix is ruptured. The diagnosis of D-AVF at the foramen magnum as a cause of SAH may be difficult due to its low incidence. Furthermore, when the D-AVF is fed solely by the ascending pharyngeal artery (APA), it may be missed if the external carotid angiography is not performed. The outcome could be fatal if the fistula is unrecognized. Herein, we report on a rare case of SAH caused by ruptured venous varix due to D-AVF at the foramen magnum fed solely by the APA. A review of relevant literatures is provided, and the treatment modalities and outcomes are also discussed.

Foix-Alajouanine syndrome mimicking a spinal cord tumor / Síndrome de Foix-Alajouanine simulando um tumor intramedular espinal

Summary Subacute necrotizing myelopathy (SNM) or Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a rare disease characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction caused by a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Radiological diagnosis is usually suspected when there is intramedullary nonspecific enhancement and perimedullary flow voids. Ring-enhancement is rarely reported in the scope of AVF, which poses a diagnostic challenge and raises the suspicion of a spinal cord tumor. In such situations, biopsy can be required and delay proper diagnosis. We report the case of a patient with SNM, who underwent biopsy on the assumption of it being a spinal cord tumor.

Resumo Mielopatia necrotizante subaguda (MNS) ou síndrome de Foix-Alajouanine é uma doença rara que se caracteriza por disfunção neurológica progressiva causada por uma fístula arteriovenosa espinal dural. O diagnóstico radiológico é comumente suspeitado quando aparece captação não específica de contraste e de artefatos de fluxo (flow voids) perimedulares. Raramente, a captação de contraste exibe o aspecto em anel, constituindo um grande desafio diagnóstico. Nesses casos, o principal diagnóstico diferencial é um tumor intramedular, e os pacientes são encaminhados para biópsia da lesão, atrasando o diagnóstico definitivo. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com MNS, a qual foi submetida à biópsia da lesão em virtude de suspeita de tumor intramedular.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and mechanism of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). Methods The clinical data of 17 CSDAVF patients, including clinical manifestations, characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)and neuroimaging,were analyzed.The interventional catheter embolization of CSDAVF and postoperative follow-up were performed. Results Of the 17 subjects with CSDAVF, 5 (29.4%) were men and 12 (70.6%)were women (sex ratio=1:2.4).The average age of onset was (58.12±14.61)years old. Older CSDAVF patients were prone to be complicated with hypertension than general population at the same age. Onset symptoms included headache in 6 cases,eye symptoms in 5 cases,intracranial murmur in 2 cases,diplopia in 2 cases, dizziness in 1 case and slurred speech in 1 case. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in all 17 patients. Further embolization was applied in 14 patients and had satisfactory outcome. In CSDAVF patients with headache, 2 patients showed orthostatic headache as initial symptom. One of them with intracranial hypotension reported exophthalmos 3 months after the onset. Those two patients remained asymptomatic during 3-year and 2-year follow-up after receiving interventional catheter embolization for CSDAVF. Conclusions CSDAVF usually occurs in middle-aged and older women, especially in those with hypertension. CSDAVF varies in clinical manifestations. A special attention should be given to orthostatic headache which can be presented as the initial symptom in few patients with CSDAVF. CTA or DSA should be considered in patients with clinically suspected CSDAVF to rule out the possibility of CSDAVF. The interventional catheter embolization is the primary treatment of CSDAVF.

Tentorial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Single-Center Cohort of 12 Patients

OBJECTIVE: Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas usually drain into cortical veins and often present with hemorrhage. Treatment goal is occlusion of the draining vein, either by surgery or endovascular techniques. We present the multimodality treatment results of 12 patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2017, 12 consecutive patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas were treated. There were 11 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 62 years (range 44–85). Clinical presentation was hemorrhage in 8 (67%), pulsatile tinnitus in 2 (17%) and an incidental finding in 2 (17%). The fistula location was at the tentorium cerebelli in 5 (42%), the torcula Herophilii in 4 (33%) and petroclival in 3 (25%). RESULTS: In 11 patients, arterial embolization with Onyx or PHIL was the primary treatment. Complete obliteration was achieved in one session in 5 (45%) and in 2 sessions in 4 (36%). In 2 patients additional surgery was needed. Primary surgery was performed in 1 patient followed by endovascular coil occlusion via the venous route. One patient with exclusive pial feeders from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery had a clinically silent P3 occlusion during trans arterial embolization. Finally, all 12 fistula were completely occluded, confirmed with angiography after 8–12 weeks. There were no permanent procedural complications. CONCLUSION: Patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas were effectively and safely cured with a strategy of endovascular treatment with various techniques and surgery. Surgical and endovascular techniques are complementary in the treatment of these challenging vascular disorders.