Indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula: transvenous embolization from the external jugular vein using a superior ophthalmic vein approach. A case report

Abstract

A case of indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula treated by combined transarterial and transvenous embolization is described. A 49-year-old woman with a right indirect carotid-cavernous sinus fistula draining solely to the right superior ophthalmic vein was treated first by transarterial embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles. Then, by approaching through the superior ophthalmic vein from the right external jugular vein, the cavernous sinus was embolized with platinum wire using a tracker microcatheter, which resulted in marked clinical improvement. Transvenous embolization by approaching from the external jugular vein through the superior ophthalmic vein represents a promising alternative when shunted blood drains anteriorly to the superior ophthalmic vein.