Dural arteriovenous fistulas: epidemiology and clinical presentation

Abstract

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are relatively rare lesions consisting of anomalous connections between dural arteries and venous sinuses and/or cortical veins. Their clinical presentation is quite variable, with symptoms dependent on their location and venous drainage pattern. Lesions with cortical venous drainage, however, have the highest risk of causing the most significant morbidity and mortality. This places an emphasis on promptly suspecting and diagnosing these lesions. This review highlights the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and clinical course of patients with intracranial DAVFs.