Application of the Willis Covered Stent in the Treatment of Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to describe our single-institutional experience of treating direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (DCCFs) with Willis covered stents (WCSs). METHODS: Of a total of 31 DCCFs, 10 were treated with WCSs (Microport, Shanghai, China) at West China Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. The indications for treatment, perioperative findings, and postoperative and follow-up results were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All 10 patients had successful deployment of WCSs. Complete exclusion of the fistula was achieved in 6 patients immediately after deployment of 1 stent. Endoleak was observed in 4 patients (patients 2, 4, 5, and 9). Thus, repeat dilation of the stent with greater pressure was performed, which resolved the endoleak in 2 patients (patients 2 and 9). The endoleak of the other 2 patients persisted after repeat dilation of the balloon. Hence, a second stent was deployed in these 2 patients (patients 4 and 5), which eliminated the endoleak in patient 4. However, patient 5 continued to have a minimal endoleak. Nine patients had fistulas successfully occluded by WCSs during the follow-up period. One patient experienced recurrence of a DCCF at the 10-day follow-up point. We chose coil embolization to address this DCCF. No stenosis of the internal carotid artery or DCCF recurrence, except that in the abovementioned patient, was observed. CONCLUSIONS: WCS was proved to be an alternative treatment method for complex DCCFs through reconstruction and preservation of the internal carotid artery. Our study also confirmed the safety, efficacy, and midterm durability of WCSs for complex DCCFs without any serious delayed complications.

Endovascular treatment of carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas: ophthalmic and visual outcomes.

Purpose: The main objective was to report the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, angiography features, treatment modality and post-treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with carotid cavernous fistulas (CCF). Methods: A retrospective review of the medical imaging database in conjunction with medical records from 2004 to 2017 at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) was conducted.We identified 39 patients with CCF (16 direct, 23 indirect). A total of 37 diagnoses were confirmed by direct catheter angiography. The remaining two cases were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography. Results: Coils were deployed in 100% of direct and 83% of treated indirect fistulas that were treated. Other embolic agents were deployed alone or in combination with coils. Successful angiographic closure was achieved in 93% of direct and 92% of indirect fistulas. Multiple treatments were required in 33% of direct and 16% of indirect fistulas. Visual acuity improved in patients with direct fistulae(p = 0.02) and was preserved in those with indirect fistulae. Post-treatment diplopia persisted in six patients with direct fistulas and three patients with indirect fistulas. Four patients with indirect fistulas experienced persistent ocular hypertension post-treatment compared to two patients with direct fistulas. Conclusions: Endovascular coils are the most commonly deployed treatment for CCF. Both indirect and direct fistulas achieved high rates of closure; however, indirect fistulas were less likely to require multiple treatments. Good post-procedural vision was achieved for both groups.

Noncavernous arteriovenous shunts mimicking carotid cavernous fistulae.

PURPOSE: The classic symptoms and signs of carotid cavernous sinus fistula or cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) consist of eye redness, exophthalmos, and gaze abnormality. The angiography findings typically consist of arteriovenous shunt at cavernous sinus with ophthalmic venous drainage with or without cortical venous reflux. In rare circumstances, the shunts are localized outside the cavernous sinus, but mimic symptoms and radiography of the cavernous shunt. We would like to present the other locations of the arteriovenous shunt, which mimic the clinical presentation of carotid cavernous fistulae, and analyze venous drainages. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the records of 350 patients who were given provisional diagnoses of carotid cavernous sinus fistulae or cavernous sinus dural AVF in the division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok between 2008 and 2014. Any patient with cavernous arteriovenous shunt was excluded. RESULTS: Of those 350 patients, 10 patients (2.85%) were identified as having noncavernous sinus AVF. The angiographic diagnoses consisted of three anterior condylar (hypoglossal) dural AVF, two traumatic middle meningeal AVF, one lesser sphenoid wing dural AVF, one vertebro-vertebral fistula (VVF), one intraorbital AVF, one direct dural artery to cortical vein dural AVF, and one transverse-sigmoid dural AVF. Six cases (60%) were found to have venous efferent obstruction. CONCLUSION: Arteriovenous shunts mimicking the cavernous AVF are rare, with a prevalence of only 2.85% in this series. The clinical presentation mainly depends on venous outflow. The venous outlet of the arteriovenous shunts is influenced by venous afferent-efferent patterns according to the venous anatomy of the central nervous system and the skull base, as well as by architectural disturbance, specifically, obstruction of the venous outflow.

Systematic Analysis of the Risk Factors Affecting the Recurrence of Traumatic Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula.

OBJECTIVE: The current therapies for traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (tCCF) yield a variable rate of recurrence and produce different results. We analyzed factors among traumatic head injury to identify the risk factors in recurrent tCCFs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who were diagnosed with tCCFs from January 2004 to December 2014 in a tertiary referral center. The factors that were analyzed included age, sex, associated injury, clinical presentation, interval from injury to interventions, interventions for tCCFs, and pathologic characters of tCCFs under digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with 56 tCCFs (1 bilateral tCCF) were included. Thirty-nine patients (40 tCCFs) were treated successfully in single session of a procedure, whereas 16 patients (16 tCCFs) experienced a recurrence of tCCF. In multivariate analysis, we found that the involvement of C2 or C4 segments (Debrun classification) of intracavernous internal carotid artery is an independent risk factor (hazard ratio [HR] 2.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.34-6.52; P < 0.01) for the recurrence of tCCFs. Endovascular coil embolization demonstrated superior efficacy in successful interventions of tCCFs compared with detachable balloons (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.06-6.57; P < 0.05) and other modalities (HR 3.06, 95% CI: 1.27-7.37; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A detachable coil is a favorable approach in the management of tCCFs when considering the rate of recurrence. In addition, the involvement of C2 or C4 segments (Debrun classification) served as an independent risk factor of the recurrence of tCCFs.

Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas occurring during neurointerventional procedures.

This study shows the frequency and types of carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) complications that occurred during endovascular treatment. Transarterial endovascular surgeries involving the anterior circulation were performed for 1071 cases at our hospitals during four years. CCFs occurred in nine of 1071 cases (0.8%). CCF risk factors were female sex (p=0.032), aneurysmal location in the paraclinoid portion (p<0.001), and use of a distal access catheter (DAC) (p<0.001). There were no significant correlations between CCF risk and procedure type (p=0.411-1.0) and balloon use or nonuse (p=0.492). Eighty-nine percent (eight of nine) of the CCFs occurred at the genu of a cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA). Two cases of CCF disappeared spontaneously. The shunt was decreased by balloon expansion in one case, no additional treatment was required in one case, and five cases required transarterial fistula coil embolization. It is necessary to remember that a CCF may occur especially in aneurysmal treatment using a DAC in a female patient. The DAC and the 0.035-inch guidewire should be kept proximal to the carotid siphon and not go beyond it. When we cannot avoid navigating beyond it, we should consider using a softer DAC. In the case of a CCF caused by a DAC, it may be cured spontaneously or is treatable by transarterial coil embolization.

Carotid-cavernous fistulas.

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are vascular shunts allowing blood to flow from the carotid artery into the cavernous sinus. The characteristic clinical features seen in patients with CCFs are the sequelae of hemodynamic dysfunction within the cavernous sinus. Once routinely treated with open surgical procedures, including carotid ligation or trapping and cavernous sinus exploration, endovascular therapy is now the treatment modality of choice in many cases. The authors provide a review of CCFs, detailing the current classification and clinical management of these lesions. Therapeutic options including conservative management, open surgery, endovascular intervention, and radiosurgical therapy are presented. The complications and treatment results as reported in the contemporary literature are also reviewed.

Dural carotid-cavernous fistulas: epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the cavernous sinus are no longer difficult to diagnose or treat. Specific ocular manifestations allow these fistulas to be diagnosed clinically. Noninvasive imaging techniques can be used to confirm the diagnosis. The most common treatment is endovascular occlusion of the lesion via a transarterial or transvenous route. Manual compression of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery in the neck or radiation therapy is appropriate in selected cases. Regardless of the treatment used, the fistula can be closed completely in most cases, resulting in restoration of normal orbital and intracranial blood flow and resolution of visual deficits.

Embolización endovascular de las fistulas carotido - cavernosas: Experiencia personal 1994-2004 / Endovascular embolization of carotid fistula - cavernous: personal experience 1994-2004

Propósito.- Para evaluar los resultados del tratamiento endovascular de fístulas carótido-cavernosas (FCC) tratadas por el autor. Material y Métodos.- Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos clínicos y radiológicos de 21 FCC tratados entre octubre 1994 a Julio 2004. Resultados.- De 21 FCC 13 fueron directas y 8 indirectas. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron ojo rojo, soplo ,exoftalmos y diplopía. De las 21 FCC tratadas por técnicas endovasculares en el presente estudio se muestra que fueron curadas el 85.71 por ciento(18/21). Una FCC adicional fue obliterada casi totalmente, constituyendo el 4.76 por ciento (1/21). El intento de embolización por ambas rutas vasculares fue fallida en 2 casos (2/21), 9.52 por ciento. Ocurrieron complicaciones sintomáticas en un total de 9.52 por ciento de los casos (2/21), teniendo carácter neurológico permanente en el 4.76 por ciento (1/21) y transitorio enel 4.76 por ciento (1/21 por ciento). Los pacientes curados de nuestra serie mejoraron de sus síntomas de congestión orbitaria en pocas semanas mientras que la paresia de oculo motores mejoró lentamente o no cambió respecto al preoperatorio durante el período de observación. Conclusión.- La embolización endovascular de la presente serie de FCCs resultó un tratamiento muy eficaz y seguro, logrando curar o mejorar en forma significativa y permanente a una vasta mayoría de pacientes con resultados comparables a los reportados en los centros de referencia internacional.

Traumatic carotid cavernous fistula accompanying basilar skull fracture: a study on the incidence of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula in the patients with basilar skull fracture and the prognostic analysis about traumatic carotid cavernous fistula.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (TCCF) is a rare vascular complication of traumatic brain and facial injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of this disorder in different types of basilar skull fracture, determine whether particular clinical factors impacted outcomes, and discuss ways of improving prognosis. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of cases with basilar skull fracture or angiography-confirmed TCCF in inpatients between 1999 and 2005, as well as an analysis of the incidence rate of TCCF in each type of basilar skull fracture. For patients diagnosed with TCCF, cases were divided into "disability" and "no disability" groups, and related clinical factors with potential impact on prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: In 312 inpatients with basilar skull fractures, an overall incidence of 3.8% for TCCF was observed, and the incidence of this disorder with anterior fossa fracture, middle fossa fracture, and posterior fossa fracture was 2.4%, 8.3%, and 1.7%, respectively. In this retrospective analysis, factors such as patients' age, gender, number of embolization procedures performed, and time from injury to first symptom onset did not significantly affect outcome (p > 0.05). However, the time from first symptom onset to endovascular embolization differed significantly between the disability and no disability groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high incidence of TCCF occurred in patients with middle fossa fractures, especially those with transverse or oblique fractures. Prompt diagnosis and intervention should be emphasized in the management of patients with TCCF, and noninvasive techniques for early detection of TCCF should be considered in cases of middle fossa fractures under certain conditions after brain or facial trauma to ensure positive outcomes.

Treatment of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula at the Udon Thani Center Hospital.

There are many options available in management of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulae (CCF). The carotid occlusion or the carotid preservation techniques are two basic approaches available. This study evaluated the carotid occlusion technique performed at The Udon Thani Center Hospital. We retrospectively studied 12 consecutive cases of traumatic CCF. The patients varied in terms of their ages, gender, side of lesion and symptoms. The occlusion was performed with muscle occlusion and trapping of the carotid artery. The diagnosis was made clinically and on CT brain. The Matas test was performed clinically with external compression of the contralateral carotid artery. No patient underwent cerebral angiography. From August 1997 to June 2002 the 12 patients were treated by muscle embolization only; muscle embolization with internal carotid ligation (Brooks technique); muscle embolization with trapping (Jaeger-Hamby procedure); or muscle embolization with trapping and external carotid ligation. The patients ranged from 15 to 62 years. Eleven were male. All had unilateral fistulae though only 3 involved the left eye. Eleven patients were cured and there was only one major complication of a patient who developed a second and third nerve palsy. The carotid occlusion technique is less popular in view of the great advances with detachable balloons and success with carotid preservation techniques. Despite this, under extenuating circumstances such as the lack of angiography, poor socio-economic status, or patients wanting to be treated close to home, this procedure is still an appropriate therapeutic option, as reflected by the success at our hospital. The more affluent patients had wider options and thus were sent to other centers for carotid preservation techniques like detachable balloon embolization.

Carotid-cavernous and orbital arteriovenous fistulas: ocular features, diagnostic and hemodynamic considerations in relation to visual impairment and morbidity.

The author investigated 101 cases with direct dural carotid-cavernous and orbital arteriovenous fistulas (CCF). The characteristic clinical findings, such as specific epibulbar arterialized loops, are described and the differential diagnosis of the striking diagnostic triad (exophthalmos, the above-mentioned loops and glaucoma) is discussed, together with the exclusion criteria for other causes of red eyes, episcleral measurements and blood flow. The results of various diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasonography, Doppler hematotachography and color Doppler of the orbit and carotid systems, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, and of conservative treatment and embolization processes are dealt with successively. The classification of different types of carotid-cavernous fistulas is presented,(1-3) together with the clinical signs in relation to morbidity and mortality during or after conservative or intervention therapies. The importance of patient follow-up, in the clinic as well as with Doppler methods, is emphasized in order to differentiate a progressive or diminished clinical condition caused by spontaneous thrombosis in the healing process or more arteriovenous flow. A 'decision tree' for use in daily practice is provided. In this study, of the 101 cases in which the localization was diagnosed by angiography, 42 were direct (30 traumatic, 12 spontaneous), 31 were dural (3 traumatic, 28 spontaneous) and 10 were orbital CCFs. In 18 other cases, usually dural or orbital shunts, angiography was not performed. For the management of 42 direct fistulas, conservative treatment was used in 12 cases (7 with success; 58%) and balloon embolization was performed in 18 cases (17 with success; 94.5%); the other cases were treated by direct or indirect surgery. Of the 48 (spontaneous and traumatic) dural fistulas, 39 were treated conservatively (32 recovered or were much improved: 82%, of the total cases, 67%). All seven cases in which embolization was performed were cured and/or much improved. In two cases, one fistula was conservatively treated while one was embolized at another location, both with success. Of the 10 orbital arteriovenous shunts showing signs of dural fistulas, the features disappeared in 8 cases, although after a much longer follow-up period than for the typical dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas; in one patient, direct surgery was performed successfully and in one patient the original, non-progressive, orbital features could still be observed.

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms: Texas Heart Institute experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery (ECA) are rare. Large single-institution series are seldom reported and usually are not aneurysm type-specific. Thus, information about immediate and long-term results of surgical therapy is sparse. This review was conducted to elucidate etiology, presentation, and treatment for ECA aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the case records of the Texas Heart Institute/St Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, and found 67 cases of ECA aneurysms treated surgically (the largest series to date) between 1960 and 1995: 38 pseudoaneurysms after previous carotid surgery and 29 atherosclerotic or traumatic aneurysms. All aneurysms were surgically explored, and all were repaired except two: a traumatic distal internal carotid artery aneurysm and an infected pseudoaneurysm in which the carotid artery was ligated. RESULTS: Four deaths (three fatal strokes and one myocardial infarction) and two nonfatal strokes were directly attributed to a repaired ECA aneurysm (overall mortality/major stroke incidence, 9%); there was one minor stroke (incidence, 1.5%). The incidence of cranial nerve injury was 6% (four cases). During long-term follow-up (1.5 months-30 years; mean, 5.9 years), 19 patients died, mainly of cardiac causes (11 myocardial infarctions). CONCLUSION: The potential risks of cerebral ischemia and rupture as well as the satisfactory long-term results achieved with surgery strongly argue in favor of surgical treatment of ECA aneurysms.