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Open access

Surgically treated intracranial arteriovenous fistulas with hemorrhage, resulting in complete obliteration: illustrative cases

Ako Matsuhashi, Kei Yanai, Satoshi Koizumi, and Gakushi Yoshikawa

BACKGROUND

Intracranial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare disease, defined as anastomoses between cerebral or meningeal arteries and dural venous sinuses or cortical veins. With the development of new agents and devices, endovascular embolization has been considered safe and effective in a majority of cases. However, cases that require direct surgery do exist. Herein, the authors present 3 cases of intracranial AVFs that presented with hemorrhage and were treated with direct surgery, achieving complete obliteration and favorable outcomes.

OBSERVATIONS

Intracranial AVFs that present with hemorrhage require immediate and complete obliteration. When AVFs involve the dural sinus, transvenous embolization is usually the first choice of treatment. AVFs with single cortical venous drainage are best treated with interruption of the draining vein close to the fistula. Transarterial embolization can be a curative treatment if there are no branches supplying cranial nerves or an association with pial feeders. In cases in which endovascular treatment is technically challenging or has resulted in incomplete occlusion, surgical treatment is indicated.

LESSONS

Despite the recent rise in endovascular treatment, it is important to recognize situations in which such treatment is not suitable for intracranial AVFs. Direct surgery is effective in such cases to offer the best possible outcome.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 23 (Dec 2023)

Open access

Bilateral infraoptic origin of the anterior cerebral artery: illustrative case

Neil Majmundar, Joseph Quillin, James K Liu, and Pankaj K Agarwalla

BACKGROUND

A bilateral infraoptic origin of the anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs) is a rare anatomical variant that can be encountered during anterior skull base surgery. The ACAs arise from the internal carotid artery (ICA) at the level of the ophthalmic artery and course medially, traveling inferior to the ipsilateral optic nerves. Herein, the authors discuss the different configurations of the anatomical variant, its prevalence, and hypotheses leading to the variable configuration of this anomaly.

OBSERVATIONS

A 67-year-old woman presented with worsening dizziness over a week-long period and was found to have a large left sphenocavernous meningioma with optic, cavernous, and suprasellar extension. The tumor incorporated the left supraclinoid ICA and its branches. She underwent a left modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy for tumor resection. Early identification of the aberrant ACA anatomy was crucial in avoiding vascular injury.

LESSONS

While this variant is typically encountered during the treatment of vascular pathologies—namely, intracranial aneurysms—its existence should be kept in mind during the treatment of any anterior skull base pathology. Failure to account for the presence of this variant may lead to potential intraoperative complications.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 20 (Nov 2023)

Open access

A cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula treated by direct puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein with craniotomy: illustrative case

Katsuma Iwaki, Koichi Arimura, Shunichi Fukuda, Soh Takagishi, Keisuke Ido, Ryota Kurogi, Kenichi Matsumoto, Akira Nakamizo, and Koji Yoshimoto

BACKGROUND

The authors report a case of symptomatic cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) that was successfully treated using direct puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) with craniotomy. CS dAVF is commonly treated using transvenous embolization (TVE), with the most common access route via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS). However, this route is sometimes unavailable because of an occluded, hypoplastic, aplastic, or tortuous IPS. The SOV is an alternative, albeit tortuous and long, route to the CS; therefore, direct SOV puncture is occasionally performed. Direct SOV puncture is mostly percutaneous; however, in this case, it was difficult because of subcutaneous SOV narrowing.

OBSERVATIONS

As the patient experienced increased intraocular pressure, decreased vision, and eye movement disorders, CS embolization was performed via direct puncture with a craniotomy because of other access difficulties.

LESSONS

Several reports have described CS dAVF in patients receiving endovascular treatment via direct SOV puncture using a transorbital approach. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a CS dAVF treated using TVE with craniotomy. This approach is useful when the SOV cannot be reached intravenously and its distance from the epidermis is long.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 20 (Nov 2023)

Open access

Middle meningeal artery pseudoaneurysm and pterygoid plexus fistula following percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy: illustrative case

Rahim Ismail, Derrek Schartz, Timothy Hoang, and Alexander Kessler

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is a safe and effective therapeutic methodology and can be accomplished in the form of balloon compression, glycerol rhizotomy, and radiofrequency thermocoagulation. These procedures are generally well tolerated and demonstrate minimal associated morbidity. Moreover, vascular complications of these procedures are exceedingly rare.

OBSERVATIONS

We present the case of a 64-year-old female with prior microvascular decompression and balloon rhizotomy who presented after symptom recurrence and underwent a second balloon rhizotomy at our institution. Soon thereafter, she presented with pulsatile tinnitus and a right preauricular bruit on physical examination. Subsequent imaging revealed a middle meningeal artery (MMA) to pterygoid plexus fistula and an MMA pseudoaneurysm. Coil and Onxy embolization were used to manage the pseudoaneurysm and fistula.

LESSONS

This case illustrates the potential for MMA pseudoaneurysm formation as a complication of percutaneous trigeminal balloon rhizotomy, which has not been seen in the literature. Concurrent MMA-pterygoid plexus fistula is also a rarity demonstrated in this case.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 19 (Nov 2023)

Open access

Late-developing posttraumatic dural arteriovenous fistula of the vertebral artery: illustrative case

Hanna E Schenck, Thomas B Fodor, Bart A. J. M Wagemans, and Roel H. L Haeren

BACKGROUND

A dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) involving the vertebral artery (VA) is a rare vascular pathology that can result from damage to the VA, most frequently following cervical spine trauma. In most traumatic cases, the dAVF develops and manifests shortly after trauma.

OBSERVATIONS

A patient was admitted after a fall from the stairs causing neck pain. Computed tomography of the cervical spine revealed a Hangman’s fracture, and angiography showed a left VA dissection. The patient was treated with a cervical brace and clopidogrel. Three weeks after trauma, the patient was admitted because of bilateral leg ataxia, dizziness, and neck pain. Repeat imaging revealed increased displacement of the cervical fracture and a dAVF from the left VA with retrograde filling of the dAVF from the right VA. Embolization of the dAVF using coils proximally and distally to the dAVF was performed prior to placing a halo brace. At 6 months, all symptoms had disappeared and union of the cervical spine fracture had occurred.

LESSONS

This case report emphasizes the need for follow-up angiography after traumatic VA injury resulting from cervical spine fracture and underlines important treatment considerations for successful obliteration of a dAVF of the VA.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 18 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Transvenous embolization for an intraosseous clival arteriovenous fistula via a proper access route guiding a three-dimensional fusion image: illustrative case

Yu Iida, Jun Suenaga, Nobuyuki Shimizu, Kaoru Shizawa, Ryosuke Suzuki, Shigeta Miyake, Taisuke Akimoto, Satoshi Hori, Kensuke Tateishi, Yasunobu Nakai, and Tetsuya Yamamoto

BACKGROUND

Intraosseous clival arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), in which the shunt drains extracranially from the posterior and anterior condylar veins rather than from the cavernous sinus (CS), are rare. Targeting embolization of an intraosseous clival AVF is challenging because of its complex venous and skull base anatomy; therefore, a therapeutic strategy based on detailed preoperative radiological findings is required to achieve a favorable outcome. Here, the authors report the successful targeted embolization of an intraosseous clival AVF using an ingenious access route.

OBSERVATIONS

A 74-year-old woman presented with left-sided visual impairment, oculomotor nerve palsy, and right facial pain. A fusion image of three-dimensional rotational angiography and cone-beam computed tomography revealed a left CS dural AVF and a right intraosseous clival AVF. The shunt flow of the clival AVF drained extracranially from the posterior and anterior condylar veins via the intraosseous venous route. Transvenous embolization was performed by devising suboccipital, posterior condylar, and intraosseous access routes. The symptoms resolved after the bilateral AVFs were treated.

LESSONS

Accurate diagnosis and proper transvenous access based on detailed intraosseous and craniocervical venous information obtained from advanced imaging modalities are key to resolving intraosseous clival AVF.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 18 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage following carotid endarterectomy: illustrative case

Shin Nemoto, Takuma Maeda, Keiichi Yamashita, Taro Yanagawa, Masataka Torii, Masaru Kiyomoto, Masaki Tanaka, Eishi Sato, Yoichi Harada, Toru Hatayama, Takuji Kono, and Hiroki Kurita

BACKGROUND

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting are common surgical interventions for internal carotid artery stenosis. Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a well-known complication of both procedures that can lead to intracranial hemorrhage and worsen clinical outcomes. Here, the authors report a rare case of non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) following CEA and review the relevant literature.

OBSERVATIONS

A 70-year-old woman with hypertension and diabetes presented with progressive visual loss in the right eye and was diagnosed with ocular ischemic syndrome. Imaging revealed severe right cervical carotid artery stenosis. CEA was performed with no complications. Postoperatively, the patient’s blood pressure was tightly controlled, with no evidence of CHS. However, an asymptomatic SAH was detected on postoperative day 7. Careful observation and blood pressure control were maintained. Since follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no enlarging of the SAH and the patient was asymptomatic, she was discharged on postoperative day 15 with a modified Rankin scale score of 0.

LESSONS

This case highlights the potential occurrence of non-aneurysmal SAH as a rare complication of CEA, even in asymptomatic patients. Repeated postoperative MRI is necessary to detect such complications. It is crucial to carefully control blood pressure after CEA regardless of symptoms.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 17 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Middle meningeal artery embolization for refractory chronic subdural hematoma in a pediatric victim of nonaccidental trauma: illustrative case

Zsombor T Gal and Alfred P See

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in children is associated with several etiologies, one of which is nonaccidental trauma (NAT). Performed alone or as an adjunct to surgical intervention, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization may be effective in resolving and preventing the recurrence of cSDH in adult patients. However, MMA embolization for pediatric cSDH has not been adequately evaluated, and there exists no consensus on the appropriate selection of pediatric patients for this minimally invasive procedure. Appreciating the variable underlying pathophysiology of pediatric cSDH will enable the development of guidelines for patient selection.

OBSERVATIONS

A 14-month-old female patient presented with depressed consciousness, seizure-like activity, and apneic episodes. She was diagnosed with bilateral subacute on chronic SDH associated with NAT, and imaging revealed diffuse brain atrophy. Despite undergoing burr hole drainage, she developed refractory cSDH and was treated with bilateral MMA embolization. At her 10-month follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a decrease in the size of the subdural collections, and she was tolerating feeds, at her neurological baseline, and seizure-free.

LESSONS

Infants and young children with symptomatic cSDH secondary to NAT, whose tissue dynamics are reminiscent of cSDH in elderly patients with diffuse brain atrophy, may derive the most benefit from MMA embolization.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 17 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for persistent primitive hypoglossal artery stenosis: illustrative case

Katsuma Iwaki, Koichi Arimura, Shunichi Fukuda, Soh Takagishi, Ryota Kurogi, Kuniyuki Nakamura, Akira Nakamizo, and Koji Yoshimoto

BACKGROUND

We report a case of symptomatic, progressive stenosis of a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA), which was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the origin of the PPHA. The PPHA is a type of carotid-basilar anastomosis with an incidence of 0.02% to 0.10%. It originates from the internal carotid artery (ICA), passes through the hypoglossal canal, and merges with the basilar artery. In many cases, the ipsilateral vertebral artery is hypoplastic; therefore, PPHA stenosis causes cerebral infarction in the posterior circulation territory, as in this case.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient’s right PPHA had severe and progressive stenosis; therefore, he experienced cerebral infarction despite medical treatment. Therefore, PTA for the stenosis was performed, which ceased the recurrence of cerebral infarction and dizziness by improving blood flow in the posterior circulation.

LESSONS

Several reports have described ICA stenosis accompanied by PPHA or PPHA stenosis in patients receiving endovascular treatments. Almost all cases were nonprogressive, and the treatment procedure was stenting. However, in our case, the PPHA stenosis was progressive, and we performed PTA because the patient experienced resistance to antiplatelet drugs and had poor collateral flow.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 17 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Anterior condylar arteriovenous fistula mainly fed by peripheral branches of the bilateral internal maxillary arteries: illustrative case

Genki Kimura, Hiroyuki Ikeda, Ryosuke Nishi, Hidenobu Hata, Minami Uezato, Masanori Kinosada, Yoshitaka Kurosaki, and Masaki Chin

BACKGROUND

The main feeding artery of an anterior condylar arteriovenous fistula (AC-AVF) is the ascending pharyngeal artery and rarely the internal maxillary artery.

OBSERVATIONS

A 58-year-old male with a history of sinusitis since adolescence presented with a 5-year history of bilateral pulsatile tinnitus and a 2-month history of right ocular symptoms. Angiography showed that the peripheral branches of the bilateral internal maxillary arteries were the main feeding arteries of the AC-AVF and that they gathered in the clivus with a relatively large shunted pouch in the left jugular tubercle. Shunt flow drained to the right external jugular vein via the right superior ophthalmic vein. A sheath was placed in the right external jugular vein, and a small distal access catheter was guided to the right superior ophthalmic vein to allow the microcatheter to reach the shunted pouch. Selective angiography of the contralateral sphenopalatine artery allowed us to confirm the gathering site of the feeding arteries and the shunted pouch and archive the complete occlusion.

LESSONS

Selective angiography of the contralateral sphenopalatine artery may be useful to confirm the gathering site of the peripheral branches of the bilateral internal maxillary arteries in an AC-AVF.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 15 (Oct 2023)