[Feasibility and efficiency of embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). METHODS: From December 2010 to May 2012, there were 104 cases of SDAVF were treated, and 26 cases were selected to be treated with embolization. The inclusion criteria was as follows: (1) No anterior or posterior spinal artery originated from the fistula segment; (2) The segmental artery can be catheterized with guiding or micro catheter; (3) High flow in fistula; (4) Patient's situation was not suitable for surgery or general anesthesia. Among 26 cases, there were 22 male and 4 female patients, the average age was 55.9 years (ranged from 34 to 81 years). The locations of SDAVF were 10 cases in thoracic, 9 in lumbar and 7 in sacral segment. The main symptoms were progressive numbness and weakness in both lower extremities, most cases accompanied with difficulties in urination and defecation. The average history was 17.1 months (from 1 to 156 months). ONYX-18 liquid embolic agent or Glubran-2 surgical glue were used as embolic material. The patients not cured with embolization were treated with surgery in the following 1 - 2 weeks. Follow-up evaluation was done with MRI after 3 months and DSA after 6 months, besides physical examination. RESULTS: Fifteen from 26 cases achieved immediate angiographic cure results: 14 in 20 cases which embolized with ONYX-18; only 1 in 6 cases with Glubran-2. Three in 10 cases of thoracic SDAVF and 12 in 16 cases of lumbar/sacral SDAVF were cured with embolization. Partially embolized cases were treated with surgical obliteration of drainage veins within 2 weeks. Cured patients experienced immediate improvement after embolization and kept getting better in the follow-up. All the patients had MRI follow-up after 3 months and DSA follow-up after 6 months. In 6 month's follow-up, MRI showed the edema and flow void signal in the spinal cord disappeared. DSA showed no fistula recurrence or remnant. There was no deterioration case in all of the embolized cases. CONCLUSIONS: Particular SDAVF is suitable for embolization with ONYX-18. Most lesions located in lumbar and sacral segment are good indications for embolization.

[Treatment of cutaneous vertebral medullary angiomatosis].

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous vertebral medullary angiomatosis, also known as Cobb's syndrome, is a part of spinal arteriovenous metameric syndromes (SAMs), is derived from the vascular malformation triad of skin, bone, and spinal cord involvement. It is poorly managed with current treatment modalities. We reviewed the treatment of Cobb's syndrome series and summarized the experiences. METHODS: A total of 61 cases of Cobb's syndrome with spinal cord dysfunction were treated at our department from February 2003 to December 2007. The treatment followed the same strategy: First step-investigating the pathogenic mechanisms by symptom onset, MRI, angiography and the response to initial treatment. Second step-treating the problematic parts of the lesions with embolization alone, surgery alone or combination of both. Forty-eight cases were embolized, 3 cases treated with surgery and 10 cases treated with a combination of both. Nidus involving pathogenic mechanism for spinal cord were eliminated, completely and nearly disappeared in 36 cases and partially in 25 cases. All patients were followed up regularly. RESULTS: Among these 61 cases, the pathogenic mechanisms were identified as hemorrhage, mass effect, ischemia and venous hypertensive myelopathy. Two or more mechanisms could coexist in the same patient. More than 1-year's spinal cord function follow-up showed: excellent in 9 cases, good in 26, fair in 23 and worse in 3. CONCLUSION: Not all lesions of Cobb's syndrome can be or should be cured anatomically. Pathogenic mechanism should be analyzed carefully and the treatment should focus on the special cord-affecting targets. Long-term improvement or stabilization may be achieved.

[Correlative study of carotid transient ischemic attacks and intracranial or extracranial angiostenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the clinical features of carotid transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and the intracranial or extracranial angiostenosis. METHODS: Location and degree of stenosis of involved arteries were examined by the digital subtraction angiography in 52 patients with carotid TIA. RESULTS: Intracranial or extracranial vascular lesions of different degrees were revealed in 45 patients (86.5%), and 29 out of 45 (64.4%) had more than one site. Severe stenosis and occlusion occurred more frequently in TIA patients with short duration (less than 1 hour) and multiple attacks (more than twice). CONCLUSION: Most patients with TIA of carotid systems have stenosis in intracranial or extracranial arteries. TIA with short duration and multiple attacks always accompany with severe stenosis or occlusion in intracranial or extracranial arteries. Digital subtraction angiography helps to identify the vascular etiology of TIA and provides the instruction of therapeutic regimen.

[Different methods of intracranial-extracranial bypass surgery for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and methods of intracranial-extracranial (IC-EC) bypass surgery in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: The clinical material of 9 cases, who performed IC-EC bypass surgery before occlusion of the parental arteries of intracranial aneurysms, was studied retrospectively, especially how to evaluate the co-lateral circulation of the parental arteries and how to select the different methods of IC-EC bypass surgery. RESULTS: The co-lateral circulation in 9 cases was not enough to meet the need of the cerebral blood flow after occlusion of the parental arteries of the aneurysms. Revascularization by different methods of IC-EC bypass surgery and then occlusion of the parental arteries, ischemia in the brain area feeding by occluded parental arteries of the aneurysms did not occurred. CONCLUSION: When the co-lateral circulation of the parental arteries of intracranial aneurysm is not enough, the revascularization by different methods of IC-EC bypass surgery is needed before occlusion of these arteries.

A trapping-evacuation technique for giant carotid-ophthalmic segment aneurysm clipping in a hybrid operating theater.

It is essential to collapse giant carotid-ophthalmic (OA) segment aneurysms for successful microsurgical clipping. We present a trapping-evacuation technique utilising hybrid operating theater capabilities to soften OA aneurysms. The patients were prepared for both microsurgical and endovascular procedures. After the majority of the aneurysm was exposed, a balloon was placed at the orifice of the aneurysm to fully block the blood flow. When the balloon was inflated, blood was evacuated from the aneurysm sac to eliminate the space occupying effect. Subsequently, the aneurysm neck was clearly exposed which greatly facilitated clip placement. A control angiogram was obtained prior to closing the wound to ensure complete aneurysm obliteration. After the establishment of a hybrid operating theater in our hospital, two aneurysms were successfully clipped using this technique. Although postoperative complications occurred in both patients, none of the events were related to the endovascular procedure or the trapping-evacuation technique. As a well-organized procedure designed for use in a hybrid operating theater, the current trapping-evacuation technique is an option for the surgical clipping of giant OA aneurysms.

[Diagnosis and treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: 110 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF). METHODS: The clinical and following-up date from 110 patients with SDAVF diagnosed by spinal MRI and spinal angiography were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Draining vein between fistula and spinal cord was interrupted by laminectomy approach as first choice in 61 patients, by hemi-laminectomy approach in 37, and by endovascular embolization in 12, and re-operation due to recurrence after embolization in 3. Anticoagulation, hydration and early rehabilitation were used postoperatively. Complete disappearance of SDAVF was confirmed in all 106 patients who received postoperative spinal angiography. The para-medullary tortuous flow voids fully disappeared in 74 patients and partly disappeared in 15 on postoperative T(2)-weighted MRI. Follow up of 98 patients showed complete recovery in 54 patients, improvement in 34, and no change in 10. Three of the 10 patients were reoperated on because of recurrence 1 to 5 years after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: SDAVF can produce good outcome after early diagnosis and treatment. Interruption of the draining vein between fistula and spinal cord by hemi-laminectomy approach is the first choice for the treatment of SDAVF.