Dural arteriovenous fistulas including the transverse and sigmoid sinuses: results of treatment in 30 cases

Abstract

We report about the treatment and outcome of 30 patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas including the transverse and sigmoid sinuses treated between 1986 and 1995. All patients underwent panangiography for definitive diagnosis. The dAVF were supplied by the external carotid artery system alone (14 patients), both external and internal carotid systems (10 patients) or both anterior and posterior circulation (6 patients). Depending on the venous drainage the fistulas were classified following a modification of Djindjian's description with 18 patients revealing Type I (main sinus with antegrade flow), 5 Type II a (main sinus with reflux into the contralateral sinus). 5 Type II b (cortical veins), 1 Type II a+b (both) and 1 of Type III (direct cortical drainage). Bruit, pulsatile tinnitus and headaches were the most common symptoms. 6 patients presented with intracranial haemorrhage, 4 with progressive neurological deficit or seizures and 3 with dementia. Arterial embolization was performed in all cases except one, where a transvenous approach for balloon occlusion of the transverse sinus was performed. 21 patients were treated by single or repeated embolization alone. Only in 9/21 cases did arterial embolization result in complete occlusion of the fistula. In 12/21 patients incomplete occlusion was achieved. Following embolization 8 patients underwent additional surgery including coagulation of the feeding arteries and arterialized veins, sinus resection and reconstruction of the sinus. Overall, 18 patients were cured, 11 improved and 1 patient was unchanged. There was a total number of 5 complications including transient stroke, transient facial nerve palsy, and a small necrotic skin area following embolization. Venous infarction of the occipital lobe was induced by transvenous occlusion and surgical resection of the transverse sinus in one patient each, respectively. From our results we conclude that the endovascular therapy alone is the treatment of choice in case of Type I fistulas. In dAVF of Type II and III repeated endovascular treatment seems not to be sufficient and additional surgery is necessary.