Transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula through the angiographically occlusive superior ophthalmic vein

Transvenous embolization (TVE) through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is a useful approach for the treatment of cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs). This venous route is usually confirmed by angiography. Herein, we present a case of favorable embolization of the CS DAVF through the angiographically occlusive SOV. A 61-year-old man presented with progressive exophthalmos and hypertonia. The patient was diagnosed with a CS DAVF, and TVE was planned. The first approach through the inferior petrosal sinus was infeasible; therefore, we attempted to approach the fistula through the left facial vein. The microcatheter was easily advanced to the shunt point through the angiographically occlusive SOV. We performed coil embolization, and the CS DAVF was completely obstructed.

Key-words:

Angiography - cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula - exophthalmos - facial vein - superior ophthalmic vein - transvenous embolization

Introduction

Cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a subtype of intracranial DAVF. CS DAVFs often cause clinical symptoms, especially in eye fields. In contrast, cases with aggressive symptoms are fewer in number.[[1]]

Transvenous embolization (TVE) is the standard treatment for CS DAVFs. The inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is the most common route for approaching CS. The transvenous approach from a facial vein (FV) through a superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is often reported as an alternate route,[[2]],[[3]] commonly confirmed by angiography. Herein, we report a rare case of successful TVE of a CS DAVF from a FV through the angiographically occlusive SOV.

Case Report

Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this case report and accompanying images.

A 61-year-old man with progressive left exophthalmos and ocular hypertension was admitted to our hospital. He had no history of medication or trauma. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed left exophthalmos and dilatation of the ipsilateral SOV [[Figure 1]]a, [[Figure 1]]b, [[Figure 1]]c. Time-of-flight MRI showed a high-intensity signal in the left CS [[Figure 1]]d. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated an arteriovenous fistula on the left CS; it was fed by the meningeal branch originating from the CS segment of the left internal carotid artery [[Figure 2]]a, [[Figure 2]]b, [[Figure 2]]c. Its draining routes were the left superior and inferior ophthalmic veins connected to the left internal jugular vein through the ipsilateral and deep FVs [[Figure 2]]d, [[Figure 2]]e, [[Figure 2]]f. Bilateral IPSs were angiographically obstructed. The patient was diagnosed with CS DAVF (Barrow type D), and we tried to occlude the fistula by TVE. We considered approaching it from the ipsi- or contralateral IPS as the first route. If infeasible, we planned to approach it from the ipsilateral deep FV as a second route.

Figure 1: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at the first examination. (a and b) Computed tomography image showing left exophthalmos (line) and dilatation of the superior ophthalmic vein (arrow). (c and d) Magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted image and time-of-flight image showing dilatation of superior ophthalmic vein (arrow) and high-intensity signal in the left cavernous sinus (arrowhead)

Figure 2: Initial digital subtraction angiography and three-dimensional rotational angiography. (a and b) Early phase of left internal carotid angiography; frontal (a) and lateral (b) view revealing cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. (c) Multiplanar reconstruction of three-dimensional rotational angiography shows the feeder from the meningeal branch of the left internal carotid artery (arrow) and shunt pouch (asterisk). (d-f) Left internal carotid angiography; frontal view at late phase (d), lateral view at intermediate phase (e), and three-dimensional rotational angiography (f). Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula drains to the left facial and deep facial veins (arrows) through the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins (arrowheads)

TVE was performed under intravenous anesthesia with dexmedetomidine. A 5-Fr ENVOY catheter was placed in the left common carotid artery, and a 6-Fr ENVOY catheter was placed in the left internal jugular vein. Initial left common carotid angiography showed a drainage different from that seen in diagnostic DSA. The left SOV and left deep FV, planned as the second route, could not be confirmed; hence, only the tortuous FV drainage route remained [[Figure 3]]. We tried to approach the left CS from the ipsi- or contralateral IPS, as scheduled, but could not reach the shunt point. Other visible approach routes could not be confirmed without the tortuous FV drainage; hence, we approached the left CS from the left FV route. Subsequently, the microguidewire was smoothly advanced in the angiographically occlusive angular vein (AV) and SOV, and it reached the shunt point [[Figure 4]]. We performed coil embolization, and the CS DAVF was completely occluded [[Figure 5]]. The patient's eye symptoms immediately improved. He was followed up for more than 1 year, with no recurrence.

Figure 3: Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography frontal (a) and lateral (b) view at late phase of the left internal carotid artery and three-dimensional rotational angiography (c) The superior ophthalmic vein and the deep facial vein are obstructed (dotted arrow). Only the tortuous facial route remained

Figure 4: Catheterization to the shunt point of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. (a and b) The microcatheter is advanced to the shunt point in the cavernous sinus through the occlusive angular and superior ophthalmic vein (dotted arrow). (c and d) Projection X-ray imaging; frontal (c) and lateral (d) view. (e and f) Selective angiography from the microcatheter; frontal (e) and lateral (f) view

Figure 5: Follow-up digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance imaging. (a and b) Follow-up digital subtraction angiography lateral view; cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula is completely occluded. (c and d) Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates no complication in the follow-up period

Discussion

DAVF is a rare arteriovenous malformation disease with an unclear etiology. The elevation of venous pressure by venous occlusive changes is believed to cause a widening of physiological anastomosis between the dura maters.[[4]],[[5]] A few cases of DAVF are caused by trauma, infection, surgery, tumor, and venous thrombosis, but most cases are idiopathic.

The detection rate of DAVF is approximately 0.16–0.51 per 100,000 adults.[[6]],[[7]],[[8]] Previous studies from Western countries have reported that the most frequent location of DAVFs was the transverse-sigmoid sinus, followed by the CS.[[7]] In contrast, the CS was reported as the most frequent location of DAVFs in Asian populations.[[1]] Hence, the distribution of the shunt point may vary with regions.

Among patients with CS DAVF, aggressive symptoms were present in only 3% of the cases; however, almost all of them had clinical symptoms.[[1]] The common clinical symptoms were sixth cranial nerve palsy (77%), exophthalmos (65%), chemosis (59%), third cranial nerve palsy (59%), visual loss (41%), pulsatile tinnitus (41%), headaches (18%), and retro-orbital pain (18%).[[2]] DAVFs with retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainages or other annoying symptoms have been treated with a variety of procedures, including endovascular embolization, direct surgery, radiation surgery, or a combination of these. The treatments were primarily endovascular, with success rates of 62%–81% for transvenous approaches.[[9]],[[10]]

Every draining route connecting the CS is a probable approach route. The IPS is the most common venous route for approaching the CS and could be used even if it is occluded. In case the IPS approach is infeasible, other approach routes are considered. The FV is often reported as an alternate route for approaching the CS, and its effectiveness is well known.[[2]],[[3]] This route is commonly confirmed by angiography, and it usually reaches the CS through the AV and SOV.

In the present case, the approach from the IPS was infeasible. The deep FV, considered as the second route, was angiographically occluded in the intraoperative DSA. Only the tortuous FV drainage route remained. Severe tortuosity and a steep angle at the junction of the AV and SOV sometimes prevent the passage of a microcatheter from the FV. However, the microguidewire was smoothly advanced to the CS through the angiographically occlusive AV and SOV. The microcatheter was advanced to the CS across the microguidewire. We embolized the shunt point using coils.

The reasons the FV route showed that dynamic angiographic changes for a short period of time are not yet clear; however, venous thrombosis or a hemodynamic change was considered. The general condition and vital signs of the patient were similar to those of diagnostic DSA. An intrajugular catheter was placed, which sometimes stagnates venous drainage, but there was no venous congestion during the procedure. CS DAVFs have been reported to show angiographic changes attributable to progressive thrombosis.[[11]] The shortest interval of drainage change was 7 days in this series, which is shorter than that in previous reports.

The angiographic change possibly showed an early phase of thrombosis, which might be an important factor for successful treatment. TVE from the FV route is less invasive; therefore, it is worth trying before attempting to approach other invasive procedures.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given his consent for his images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

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Publication History

Received: 19 February 2021

Accepted: 10 April 2021

Article published online:
16 August 2022