Transvenous Embolization of Carotid Cavernous Fistula by Sequential Occlusion of the Cavernous Sinus

摘要

Objective Introduction When we perform transvenous embolization of carotid cavernous fistula, we selectively occluded the venous outflow to the retrograde cortical venous drainage and retrograde ophthalmic venous drainage as the initial steps before the rest of the cavernous sinus. The rationale is to prevent re-diversion of flow into the ophthalmic veins and cortical veins in a subtotally occluded carotid cavernous fistula.Method From 1997 to 2004, a total of 46 patients with carotid cavernous fistula were treated by transvenous embolization using the proposed selective occlusion strategy. There were 6 direct and 40 dural cartoid cavernous fistulae. The embolic agents were Guglielmi detachable coils and fibered platinum coils. Transvenous embolization routes included inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) alone (32 patients), IPS and intercavernous sinus (9 patients), and superior ophthalmic vein (5 patients).Result The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 7 years. One patient developed retinal hemorrhage due to ophthalic vein thrombosis one week after the embolization procedure. Two patients had transient ophthalmoplegia and 2 patients had symptomatic recurrence of the carotid cavernous fistula during the follow-up. Clinical cure was achieved in 44 patients (96%).Conclusion The sequential occlusion strategy offers a safe and effective method in the transvenous embolization of carotid cavernous fistula.