Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula: Transarterial embolization from the ophthalmic artery as first-line treatment

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively review the outcome of patients with dural arteriovenous fistula of the anterior cranial fossa (afDAVF) treated by transarterial embolization.

Material and methods: Six consecutive patients were referred to our hospital for afDAVF treatment. After a multidisciplinary discussion, they underwent endovascular embolization with Onyx injection through the ophthalmic artery. Their clinical presentation, management and outcomes were retrospectively assessed.

Results: All interventions were performed with the liquid embolic agent Onyx through the transarterial route from the ophthalmic artery to access the fistulous point. All patients showed a good outcome with complete afDAVF obliteration.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that afDAVFs can be safely and completely obliterated by transarterial embolization via the ophthalmic artery.

Keywords: Dural Arteriovenous Fistula; Embolization; Endovascular therapy; Intracranial Hemorrhage; Skull Base.