Transvenous embolization for dural transverse sinus fistulas with occluded sigmoid sinus

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2007;149(9):929-35; discussion 935-6. doi: 10.1007/s00701-007-1264-4. Epub 2007 Aug 13.

Abstract

Dural transverse sinus arteriovenous fistulas with cortical venous drainage were associated with a high hemorrhagic risk. Dural transverse sinus arteriovenous dural fistulas could be treated by embolization (transarterial or transvenous), surgery or a combination of both. Transvenous packing of the diseased sinus was considered to be a less invasive and effective method of treatment. Occluded sigmoid sinus proximally, especially cases with isolated transverse sinus, could make the transvenous approach difficult. Craniotomy for sinus packing or surgical excision remained the treatment of choice when the percutaneous transvenous approach was not feasible. We reviewed the techniques of transvenous embolization described in the literature and illustrated our techniques in two consecutive cases of transvenous embolization of the dural arteriovenous fistulas through the occluded sigmoid sinus. We concluded that transvenous embolization remains a safe and feasible technique other than surgery for patients with transverse sinus dural fistula, achieving a long-term occlusion of the pathology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / therapy*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cranial Sinuses* / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Veins