Long-term complications and outcomes of therapeutic embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Embolization is a promising treatment strategy for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, consensus regarding the main complications or long-term outcomes of embolization in AVMs remains lacking. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the most prevalent complications and long-term outcomes in patients with AVM undergoing therapeutic embolization. DESIGN AND SETTING: This systematic review was conducted at the Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca, Brazil. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Data were obtained from MEDLINE, PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, which included the epidemiological profile of the population, characteristics of the proposed therapy, complications (hemorrhagic events and neurological deficits), and long-term outcomes (modified Rankin scale pre- and post-treatment, AVM recanalization, complete obliteration, and deaths). RESULTS: Overall, the analysis included 34 articles (2,799 patients). Grade III Spetzler-Martin AVMs were observed in 34.2% of cases. Notably, 39.3% of patients underwent embolization combined with radiosurgery. The most frequently reported long-term complication was hemorrhage, which occurred in 8.7% of patients at a mean follow-up period of 58.6 months. Further, 6.3% of patients exhibited neurological deficits after an average of 34.7 months. Complete obliteration was achieved in 51.4% of the cases after a mean period of 36 months. Recanalization of AVMs was observed in 3.5% of patients. Long-term death occurred in 4.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: Embolization of AVMs is an increasingly safe strategy with low long-term complications and satisfactory outcomes, especially in patients who have undergone combination therapies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ Registration number CRD42020204867.

Therapeutic effect of endovascular embolization for perimedullary arteriovenous fistula / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of endovascular embolization for perimedullary arteriovenous fistula(PMAVF).Methods Data of 8 PMAVF patients who underwent endovascular embolization were retrospectively analyzed.Findings of digital subtraction angiography(DSA)immediately and 6 months after treatment were reviewed,and the modified Aminoff-Logue score(mALS)was compared before and 6 months after treatment.Results Among 8 cases of PMAVF,there were 2 cases of type Ⅰ,5 cases of type Ⅱand 1 case of type Ⅲ,among them 3 were treated with Onyx glue while 5 with Glubrane glue.The immediate DSA results after treatment showed complete embolization of the fistula in all 8 cases,while those 6 months after treatment showed no recurrence.One case recovered and the other 7 cases improved,and mALS(2.25±2.12)6 months after treatment was lower than that(5.50±2.39)before treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion Endovascular embolization could safely and effectively treat PMAVF.

Medial tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula with venous sinus thrombosis leading to thalamic dementia: a challenging diagnosis of 4 cases / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the imaging characteristics and diagnosis of thalamic dementia caused by medial tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (TDAVF).Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 4 patients with medial TDAVF diagnosed at Nanjing Brain Hospital from August 2022 to September 2023 were retrospectively collected, summarized and analyzed.Results:Four patients were all males, with an average age of 67 years. The duration of cognitive impairment varies from 13 days to 2 months, with an average of about 1 month. The average score on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was 13, while the average score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was 15. One patient was unable to complete these tests. MRI showed bilateral thalamic swelling, with scattered microbleeding lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging and susceptibility-weighted imaging ( n=3). Enhanced scans showed patchy or clumpy enhancement of the bilateral thalamus. Magnetic resonance angiography showed abnormal blood vessels along the straight sinus area ( n=4), while magnetic resonance venography showed no straight sinus development ( n=4). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed neuronal swelling and damage ( n=3), with no increase in choline peak. Arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging showed decreased perfusion in the lesions. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed TDAVF with straight sinus thrombosis. Two patients underwent embolization, with significant improvement in postoperative memory impairment. One patient underwent surgical clipping, while the other was transferred to other hospital for treatment. Conclusions:Patients with medial TDAVF often present with thalamic dementia. Imaging examinations show typical bilateral thalamic swelling with microbleeds, and early visualization of vascular shadows, without development of straight sinus. These features would be beneficial for the early diagnosis of TDAVF.

Correlation between angioarchitectural characteristics of brain arteriovenous malformations and clinical presentation of 183 patients / Impacto das características angioarquiteturais das malformações arteriovenosas cerebrais na apresentaçáo clínica: análise de 183 pacientes

ABSTRACT Background: The correlation between angioarchitecture and clinical presentation of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) remains a subject of debate. Objective: The main purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between angioarchitectural characteristics of bAVM and clinical presentation. Methods: A retrospective review of all consecutive patients presenting a bAVM who underwent a cerebral angiography at Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital in São Paulo between January 2006 and October 2016 was carried out. Patients were divided in five groups: group 1 - hemorrhage; group 2 - seizure; group 3 - headache; group 4 - progressive neurological deficits (PND); group 5 - incidental). Results: A total of 183 patients were included, with group 1 comprising 56 cases, group 2 49 cases, group 3 41 cases, group 4 28 cases, and group 5 9 cases. Regarding hemorrhage presentation, a statistical correlation was observed with female gender (P < 0.02), Spetzler-Martin 3B (P < .0015), and lesions with low flow (P < 0.04). A positive association was found between group 2 and age less than 36 years (P < 0.001), male sex (P < 0.018), presence of superficial lesions not classified as SM 3B (P < 0.002), presence of venous ectasia (p <0.03), and arterial steal phenomenon (P < 0.03). Group 4 was associated with older age (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Angioarchitectural characteristics can be correlated with some clinical presentations as well as with some clinical data, making it possible to create predictive models to differentiate clinical presentations.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A correlação entre a angioarquitetura e a apresentação clínica da Malformação Arteriovenosa do cérebro (MAVc) permanece um assunto de debate. Objetivos: Correlacionar as características angioarquiteturais das MAVc com a apresentação clínica. Métodos: Estudou-se pacientes consecutivos atendidos no Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa-SP, entre 2006 a 2016. Após análise geral, criaram-se cinco grupos de acordo com a apresentação clínica: 1- Hemorragia; 2 - Epilepsia; 3 - Cefaléia; 4 - Déficit Neurológico Progressivo (DNP) e 5 - Incidental. Características epidemiológicas (clínica e topografia) e angioarquiteturais (Classificação de Spetzler-Martin Modificada - SMM; Fluxo intranidal; Aneurismas arteriais, intranidais e venosos; Ectasia venosa; Congestão venosa; "Roubo" arterial; Vascularização dural; Drenagem Venosa Profunda) foram analisadas. Resultados: 183 pacientes foram incluídos e analisados globalmente. Após essa etapa, foram divididos nos grupos: 1 - 56 casos (30,6%); 2 - 49 casos (26,7%); 3 - 41 casos (22,4%); 4 - 28 casos (15,3%) e 5 - 9 casos (4,9%). Principais achados foram referentes a apresentação hemorrágica, na qual observamos correlação estatística positiva com o sexo feminino (P<0,02), lesões classificadas como SMM 3B (P<0,0015) e baixo fluxo (P<0,04). Relacionado à epilepsia, encontramos significância estatística que possibilitou a correlação com pacientes com idade inferior a 36 anos (P<0,001), sexo masculino (P<0,018), lesões superficiais (P<0,002), presença de ectasia venosa (P<0,003) e "roubo" arterial (P<0,01). Pacientes com DNP se apresentam com idade superior aos demais (P<0,01). Conclusões: Após análise multivariada, foi possível separar as MAV em grupos de acordo com as características angioarquiteturais, comprovando que algumas dessas características estão fortemente relacionadas a determinada manifestação.

Microsurgery for ruptured intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula: a retrospective case series of 8 patients / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the emergency surgical effect of ruptured intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF).Methods:Patients with ruptured intracranial DAVF underwent microsurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery, Nanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from May 2013 to July 2022 were retrospectively included. The clinical, imaging and follow-up data were collected, and the clinical characteristics, selection of surgical methods and treatment effects of patients were summarized.Results:A total of 8 patients with DAVF were enrolled. Their age ranged from 11 to 60 years (average, 48 years). There were 7 males and 1 female. All 8 patients suffered from intracranial hemorrhage, manifested as headache and vomiting in 2 cases, simple conscious disturbance in 2 cases, conscious disturbance with cerebral hernia in 3 cases, and conscious disturbance with limb paralysis in 1 case. The fistula was located in the anterior fossa in 4 cases (including 2 cases with aneurysms), the middle fossa in 2 cases (including 1 case with moyamoya disease), the transverse sinus in 1 case, and the anterior 1/3 area of the sagittal sinus in 1 case. Cognard classification: 7 patients were type Ⅲ and 1 was type Ⅳ. After admission, all patients underwent emergency craniotomy and microsurgery to remove hematoma. Among them, 4 patients underwent decompressive craniectomy at the same time, 1 patient with moyamoya disease underwent dural turnover and temporalis muscle application at the same time, and 2 patients with aneurysms at the same location were clipped at the same time. Postoperative re-examination of head CT showed that the hematoma was cleared satisfactorily and the midline was no shift in all 8 patients. CT angiography (CTA) showed that the fistula disappeared within 2 weeks. Seven patients were followed up within 1-12 months after operation. CTA or digital subtraction angiography showed no recurrence of DAVF. Two patients with aneurysms did not have residual or recurrent aneurysms. All patients had no new neurological symptoms, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale score in 2 patients increased by 1 compared with that at discharge.Conclusion:Emergency microsurgery is an effective method for the treatment of ruptured intracranial DAVF, especially for patients with special parts or complicated hematoma, cerebral hernia, and other vascular diseases.

Malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / High-flow vascular malformations of the brain in pediatrics: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo son poco comunes en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del trabajo es diferenciar y agrupar estas enfermedades según edad de debut, manifestaciones clínicas y angioarquitectura.Población y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas, los estudios por imágenes y los protocolos de procedimientos de pacientes del Hospital J. P. Garrahan con diagnóstico de malformaciones vasculares cerebrales desde enero de 2010 hasta enero de 2020.Resultados. Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron 131 pacientes con malformaciones arteriovenosas con nido (MAV) y 52 con fístulas directas (sin nido), entre los que se hallaron 19 malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 23 fístulas piales y 10 fístulas durales. La edad promedio fue de 105 meses para las MAV, 1,7 meses para las malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 60,5 meses para fístulas piales y 41 meses para fístulas durales.Conclusión. Según su angioarquitectura, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo tuvieron nido (MAV) o fueron fístulas directas (malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, fístulas piales y fístulas durales). Las MAV se manifestaron a partir de la primera infancia, sobre todo, por hemorragia intracraneana. Las fístulas directas se expresaron en la primera etapa de la vida, frecuentemente, con insuficiencia cardíaca.

Introduction. High-flow vascular malformations of the brain are uncommon in pediatrics. The objective of this study is to establish the differences among these pathologies and group them by age at onset, clinical manifestations, and angioarchitecture.Population and method. This was a retrospective and observational study. The medical records, imaging studies, and procedure protocols of patients seen at Hospital J. P. Garrahan diagnosed with vascular malformations of the brain between January 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed.Results. A total of 183 patients met the inclusion criteria. It was possible to identify 131 patients with arteriovenous malformations with a nidus (AVMs) and 52 with direct fistulas (without a nidus), including 19 vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 23 pial fistulas, and 10 dural fistulas. The average age of patients was 105 months for AVMs, 1.7 months for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 60.5 months for pial fistulas, and 41 months for dural fistulas.Conclusion. Based on their angioarchitecture, high-flow vascular malformations of the brain presented a nidus (AVMs) or direct fistulas (vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, pial fistulas, and dural fistulas). AVMs were observed in early childhood, especially due to intracranial hemorrhage. Direct fistulas occurred in the first stage of life, commonly with heart failure.

Artéria trigeminal e aneurisma segmentar da artéria carótida associadas a hemorragia subaracnóide / Trigeminal artery and segmental aneurysm of the carotid artery associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage

A persistência e a falha da involução das comunicações embrionárias entre a circulação cerebral anterior e posterior contribuem para anomalias vasculares em adultos. Esta variação é comumente detectada de forma incidental, causando sintomas muito raramente. Sua proximidade com os nervos oculomotor, troclear e abducente podem levar a paresia muscular ocular. Em alguns casos pode causar tinnitus pulsátil e ao espasmo de hemiface. Muitos casos de artéria trigeminal foram relatados como associados a aneurismas intracranianos.

The persistence and failure of the involution of embryonic communications between the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation contribute to vascular anomalies in adults. This variation is commonly detected incidentally, rarely causing symptoms. Its proximity to the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducent nerves can lead to ocular muscle paresis. Sometimes it can cause pulsatile tinnitus and hemiface spasm. Many cases of trigeminal artery have been reported to be associated with intracranial aneurysms.

Clinical value of dual phase ASL in evaluation of collateral circulation in patients with severe cerebral vascular stenosis / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the clinical value of dual -phase arterial spin -labeled perfusion imaging(3D-ASL) in the evaluation of collateral circulation compensation in patients with severe cerebrovascular stenosis.Methods From December 2017 to August 2018,73 patients with severe cerebral artery stenosis confirmed by MRA in Linfen Central Hospital were collected and studied.The two-phase superconducting magnetic resonance imaging was performed[ Post Label Delay(PLD):1 525ms,2 525ms] three-dimensional quasli continuous arterial spin labeling(3D-PCASL) imaging.Bilateral phase cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured on the affected side and mirror side respectively.The CBF values of the affected side and mirror side were compared and analyzed ,and the abnormal perfusion cases were compared and analyzed.Results In 73 patients with severe cerebrovascular stenosis , the CBF values of the bilateral affected side [ CBF 1 525ms (18.33 ±6.42) mL· 100g-1· min-1 ,CBF 2 525ms (34.81 ±11.68)mL· 100g-1· min-1 ] were lower than those of the mirror side [CBF 1 525ms(41.25 ±16.84)mL· 100g-1· min-1 ,CBF 2 525ms(47.74 ±14.90) mL· 100g-1· min-1 ],the differences were statistically significant (Z＝-9.348,-7.476,all P＜0.001).The ratio of abnormal perfusion in PLD ＝2525ms group[ CBF(34.81 ± 11.68)mL· 100g-1· min-1 ] was higher than that in PLD ＝1 525ms group[ CBF(18.33 ±6.42) mL· 100g-1· min-1 ],the difference was statistically significant (Z＝-9.196,P＜0.001).The percentage of abnormal perfusion in PLD group of 2 525ms(56.2%) was lower than that in PLD group of 1 525ms(94.5%),the difference was statisti- cally significant(χ2 ＝5.393,P＝0.02).Conclusion Dual-phase ASL( PLD＝1 525ms,2 525ms) combined with ASL can more accurately evaluate the compensations of fast collateral circulation and slow collateral circulation ,and provide individualized treatment.

Clinical value of dual phase ASL in evaluation of collateral circulation in patients with severe cerebral vascular stenosis / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To investigate the clinical value of dual-phase arterial spin-labeled perfusion imaging(3D-ASL) in the evaluation of collateral circulation compensation in patients with severe cerebrovascular stenosis.@*Methods@#From December 2017 to August 2018, 73 patients with severe cerebral artery stenosis confirmed by MRA in Linfen Central Hospital were collected and studied.The two-phase superconducting magnetic resonance imaging was performed[Post Label Delay(PLD): 1 525ms, 2 525ms] three-dimensional quasli continuous arterial spin labeling(3D-PCASL) imaging.Bilateral phase cerebral blood flow(CBF) was measured on the affected side and mirror side respectively.The CBF values of the affected side and mirror side were compared and analyzed, and the abnormal perfusion cases were compared and analyzed.@*Results@#In 73 patients with severe cerebrovascular stenosis, the CBF values of the bilateral affected side[CBF 1 525ms(18.33±6.42)mL·100g-1·min-1, CBF 2 525ms(34.81±11.68)mL·100g-1·min-1] were lower than those of the mirror side[CBF 1 525ms(41.25±16.84)mL·100g-1·min-1, CBF 2 525ms(47.74±14.90)mL·100g-1·min-1], the differences were statistically significant(Z=-9.348, -7.476, all P<0.001). The ratio of abnormal perfusion in PLD=2525ms group[CBF(34.81±11.68)mL·100g-1·min-1]was higher than that in PLD=1 525ms group[CBF(18.33±6.42)mL·100g-1·min-1], the difference was statistically significant(Z=-9.196, P<0.001). The percentage of abnormal perfusion in PLD group of 2 525ms(56.2%) was lower than that in PLD group of 1 525ms(94.5%), the difference was statistically significant(χ2=5.393, P=0.02).@*Conclusion@#Dual-phase ASL(PLD=1 525ms, 2 525ms) combined with ASL can more accurately evaluate the compensations of fast collateral circulation and slow collateral circulation, and provide individualized treatment.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Involving the Transverse-Sigmoid Sinus: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literatures

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively assessed the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) involving the transverse-sigmoid sinus and analyzed the angiographic and clinical results with our 8-year experience.METHODS: Nine patients with intracranial DAVFs involving the transverse-sigmoid sinus underwent SRS using a Gamma Knife® (Elekta Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA) between 2009 and 2016. Five patients underwent SRS for residual DAVFs after embolization and four patients were treated with SRS alone. The median target volume was 1.9 cm3 (range, 0.8–14.2) and the median radiation dose of the target was 17 Gy (range, 16–20). The median follow-up period was 37 months (range, 7–81).RESULTS: Pulsating tinnitus (33%) was the most common symptom. DAVFs were completely obliterated in four patients (44%) and subtotally obliterated in five (56%). Six patients (67%) showed complete recovery of symptoms or signs, and three (33%) showed incomplete recovery. One patient experienced a recurrent seizure. Adverse radiation effects after SRS occurred in one patient (11%). The total obliteration rates after SRS were 16.7%, 37.5%, and 68.7% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The median interval from SRS to total obliteration of the fistula was 31 months (range, 12–38). The rates at which the symptoms started to improve were 40% at 1 month and 80% at 2 months after SRS. Symptoms started to improve at a median of 5 weeks after SRS (range, 3–21).CONCLUSION: SRS with or without embolization is a safe and effective treatment to relieve symptoms and obliterate DAVFs on the transverse-sigmoid sinus.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Involving the Transverse-Sigmoid Sinus: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literatures

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively assessed the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) involving the transverse-sigmoid sinus and analyzed the angiographic and clinical results with our 8-year experience. METHODS: Nine patients with intracranial DAVFs involving the transverse-sigmoid sinus underwent SRS using a Gamma Knife® (Elekta Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA) between 2009 and 2016. Five patients underwent SRS for residual DAVFs after embolization and four patients were treated with SRS alone. The median target volume was 1.9 cm3 (range, 0.8–14.2) and the median radiation dose of the target was 17 Gy (range, 16–20). The median follow-up period was 37 months (range, 7–81). RESULTS: Pulsating tinnitus (33%) was the most common symptom. DAVFs were completely obliterated in four patients (44%) and subtotally obliterated in five (56%). Six patients (67%) showed complete recovery of symptoms or signs, and three (33%) showed incomplete recovery. One patient experienced a recurrent seizure. Adverse radiation effects after SRS occurred in one patient (11%). The total obliteration rates after SRS were 16.7%, 37.5%, and 68.7% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The median interval from SRS to total obliteration of the fistula was 31 months (range, 12–38). The rates at which the symptoms started to improve were 40% at 1 month and 80% at 2 months after SRS. Symptoms started to improve at a median of 5 weeks after SRS (range, 3–21). CONCLUSION: SRS with or without embolization is a safe and effective treatment to relieve symptoms and obliterate DAVFs on the transverse-sigmoid sinus.

Experiencia de embolización de malformaciones arterio-venosas cerebrales en Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, 2016-2017 / Experience of embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations in Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital, 2016-2017

INTRODUCCIÓN. La morbimortalidad de las malformaciones arterio-venosas cerebrales se encuentra dada principalmente por hemorragias. OBJETIVO. Conocer la situación de la embolización de malformaciones arterio-venosas en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de malformaciones arterio-venosas cerebral que fueron sometidos a intervención radiológica, durante el período de enero 2016 a diciembre 2017, en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín. RESULTADOS. 17 pacientes con criterios de inclusión, la mayoría con malformaciones arterio-venosas única y clasificación Spetzler Martin tipo I y II. El 52,9% fue sometido al procedimiento con antecedente de hemorragia intracerebral. Luego del procedimiento se alcanzó el 61,5% de obliteración en promedio, con 5,8% de pacientes que tuvo hemorragia intracerebral postprocedimiento. DISCUSIÓN. El uso de la embolización permite la oclusión del nido vascular displásico y del flujo de arterias nutricias profundas, disminuyendo la hemorragia intracerebral como complicación, siendo un tratamiento precursor de complementos quirúrgicos o como tratamiento único. El promedio de obliteración se encuentra dentro del rango reportado en la literatura, con un solo caso que tuvo complicación post procedimiento. Son necesarios estudios complementarios donde se especifiquen las variables de los tratamientos post procedimiento y un seguimiento para valorar supervivencia. CONCLUSIÓN. Resultados similares a los reportados en la literatura, se consideró la embolización como una alternativa del tratamiento, principalmente como precursor a la cirugía en malformaciones arterio-venosas con clasificación Spetzler Martin mayor a III.

INTRODUCTION. The morbidity and mortality of cerebral arteriovenous malformations is mainly due to hemorrhages. OBJECTIVE. To know the situation of the embolization of arterio-venous malformations in the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, retrospective study in patients with a diagnosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformations who underwent radiological intervention, during the period from January 2016 to December 2017, at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital. RESULTS 17 patients with inclusion criteria, most with single arteriovenous malformations and Spetzler Martin type I and II classification. 52,9% underwent the procedure with a history of intracerebral hemorrhage. After the procedure, 61,5% of obliteration was achieved on average, with 5,8% of patients having post-procedural intracerebral hemorrhage. DISCUSSION. The use of embolization allows the occlusion of the dysplastic vascular nest and the flow of deep nutritional arteries, decreasing intracerebral hemorrhage as a complication, being a precursor treatment of surgical complements or as a single treatment. The average of obliteration is within the range reported in the literature, with only one case that had post procedure complication. Complementary studies are needed where the variables of the post-procedure treatments and a follow-up to assess survival are specified. CONCLUSION. Results similar to those reported in the literature, embolization was considered as an alternative treatment, mainly as a precursor to surgery in arteriovenous malformations with Spetzler Martin classification greater than III.

Caso de desafío diagnóstico: fístula dural / Diagnostic challenge case: dural fistula

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino, de 69 años, que refiere tinnitus pulsátil de dos meses de evolución percibido en la región retroauricular derecha. Se presentan los hallazgos en estudios de imágenes, diagnóstico y se presenta una corta revisión del tema.

We present the case of a female patient, 69 years old, who reported pulsatile tinnitus since two months ago perceived in the right retroauricular region. We present the findings in image studies, diagnosis and a short review about the topic.

Cerebral Proliferative Angiopathy: Case Report

Proliferative angiopathy (PA) is a rare cerebral vascular disease in which anomalous vessels continually recruit additional feeder arteries, amid a functional brain parenchyma. We report the case of a young woman with progressive history of headache, motor deficit, seizures and drowsiness. She received a misdiagnosis of brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and evolved with dysarthria and cognitive decline after an unsuccessful embolization performed at another institution. We opted for conservative treatment with periodic control by imaging tests. Proliferative angiopathy differs in natural history, prognosis, histopathology and treatment of the usual AVMs. Endovascular procedures aggravate the neurological deficits, which are usually progressive and tend to worsen over time.

A angiopatia proliferativa (AP) é uma doença vascular cerebral rara em que vasos anômalos recrutam continuamente artérias nutridoras adicionais em um parênquima cerebral normal. Relatamos um caso de uma mulher jovem com história progressiva de cefaleia, déficit motor, convulsões e sonolência. Ela recebeu um diagnóstico incorreto da malformação arteriovenosa (MAV) cerebral e evoluiu com disartria e declínio cognitivo após uma embolização malsucedida realizada em outra instituição. Optamos pelo tratamento conservador com controle periódico por testes de imagem. A AP difere das MAVs usuais em relação a história natural, prognóstico, histopatologia e tratamento. Os procedimentos endovasculares agravam os déficits neurológicos, que geralmente são progressivos e tendem a piorar ao longo do tempo.

Clinical Outcome of Nonfistulous Cerebral Varices: the Analysis of 39 Lesions

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral varices (CVs) without an arteriovenous shunt, so called nonfistulous CVs, are very rare, and their etiology and natural course are not well understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonfistulous CVs by the analysis of 39 cases.METHODS: From 2000 to 2015, 22 patients with 39 nonfistulous CVs (≥5 mm) were found by searching the medical and radiologic records of our institute. Clinical data and radiological data including numbers, sizes and locations of CVs and associated anomalies were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Previously reported cases in literature were reviewed as well.RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 21 years (range, 0–78 years). On average, 1.8±1.2 CVs were found per patient. CVs were categorized as either fusiform or saccular depending on their shapes. Two patients had saccular type CVs, seventeen patients had fusiform types, and three patients had both fusiform and saccular CVs. Eight patients had associated compromise of the vein of Galen and the straight sinus. Four of those patients had sinus pericranii, as well. Five patients had CVs that were distal draining veins of large developmental venous anomalies. One patient had associated migration anomaly, and two patients had Sturge- Weber syndrome. Six patients with an isolated cerebral varix were observed. Of the 39 CVs in 22 patients, 20 lesions in 14 patients were followed up in outpatient clinics with imaging studies. The average follow-up duration was 6.6 years. During this period, no neurological events occurred, and all the lesions were managed conservatively.CONCLUSION: Nonfistulous CVs seemed to be asymptomatic in most cases and remained clinically silent. Hence, we suggest conservative management.

Clinical Outcome of Nonfistulous Cerebral Varices: the Analysis of 39 Lesions

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral varices (CVs) without an arteriovenous shunt, so called nonfistulous CVs, are very rare, and their etiology and natural course are not well understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonfistulous CVs by the analysis of 39 cases. METHODS: From 2000 to 2015, 22 patients with 39 nonfistulous CVs (≥5 mm) were found by searching the medical and radiologic records of our institute. Clinical data and radiological data including numbers, sizes and locations of CVs and associated anomalies were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Previously reported cases in literature were reviewed as well. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 21 years (range, 0–78 years). On average, 1.8±1.2 CVs were found per patient. CVs were categorized as either fusiform or saccular depending on their shapes. Two patients had saccular type CVs, seventeen patients had fusiform types, and three patients had both fusiform and saccular CVs. Eight patients had associated compromise of the vein of Galen and the straight sinus. Four of those patients had sinus pericranii, as well. Five patients had CVs that were distal draining veins of large developmental venous anomalies. One patient had associated migration anomaly, and two patients had Sturge- Weber syndrome. Six patients with an isolated cerebral varix were observed. Of the 39 CVs in 22 patients, 20 lesions in 14 patients were followed up in outpatient clinics with imaging studies. The average follow-up duration was 6.6 years. During this period, no neurological events occurred, and all the lesions were managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Nonfistulous CVs seemed to be asymptomatic in most cases and remained clinically silent. Hence, we suggest conservative management.

A clinical study of 135 patients with cerebral vascular fenestrations / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To characterize the imaging features of cerebral vascular fenestrations and the clinical features of patients with cerebral infarction.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the magnetic resonance or CT imaging data of 135 cases of cerebral vascular fenestrations from January 2015 to July 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.The location,morphology and the other associated vascular diseases were described.The patients who had cerebral infarction were also analyzed.Results One hundred and thirty-five fenestrations were noted at our institution,129 in arteries,and six in veins,the detection rate being 1.1％ (135/12 232).Basilar arteries were most common,which accounted for 53.3％ (72/129) of the fenestrations.Twenty-eight (20.7％) of these patients had other vascular malformations,with a total of 15 aneurysms,two moyamoya diseases,five venous malformations,two arteriovenous fistulas,and four cavernous hemangiomas.Nine patients had cerebral infarctions,of which five patients had fenestration-relevant cerebral infarctions,and no risk factors for cerebral infarctions were found except fenestration in one patient who was diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke.No acute cerebral infarctions or transient ischemic attack occurred in patients with fenestration-relevant cerebral infarctions who had long-term antiplatelet and statin therapy during follow-up.Conclusions Cerebral vascular fenestrations occur most frequently in the basilar artery and may combine with other malformations.Long-term antiplatelet and statin therapy can be used for cerebral infarctions patients with cerebral vascular fenestrations.

Magnetic Resonance Perfusion of Brain Stem in Patients with Basilar Artery Hypoplasia / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To analyze the hemodynamic characteristics of brain stem in patients with basilar artery hypoplasia (BAH) by magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI).Materials and Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,51 patients with BAH were selected as the BAH group,and 79 patients without BAH were selected as the non BAH group.All patients were examined by MRI,3D-TOF and PWI,and magnetic resonance angiography was acquired after the three examinations.The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF),regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV),regional mean transit time (rMTT) and time to peak (TTP) values of pontine area were measured.Results The rCBF value of the BAH group [(17.10±6.52) ml/(100 g · min)] was significantly lower than that of the non BAH group [(29.06± 13.32) ml/(100 g · min)] (P＜0.05);the rCBV value of the BAH group [(1.41 ±0.26) ml] was significantly lower than that of the non BAH group [(2.62± 0.82) ml] (P＜0.05);the TTP value of the BAH group [(6.14± 1.31) s] was significantly higher than that of the non BAH group [(5.39 ± 1.08) s] (P＜0.05);the rMTT value of the BAH group [(20.78±3.48) s] was significantly higher than that of the non BAH group [(19.01 ±2.39) s] (P＜0.05).TTP was the most sensitive index of cerebral perfusion injury,and the incidence of TTP extension was 41.18％ in the BAH group.Conclusion PWI can detect the abnormal cerebral hemodynamics in patients with BAH,which provides the basis for the timely treatment and prevention of irreversible injury in the ischemic area of the brain.

Fístula dural espinal, la importancia del diagnóstico temprano / Spinal Dural Fistula, the Importance of its Early Diagnosis

A pesar de no ser una patología común, la fístula dural espinal (FDE) es la comunicación arteriovenosa anormal más frecuente del canal espinal. Normalmente cursa como una mielopatía extensa baja, secundaria a congestión y trombosis venosa extraaxial, a su vez secundarias a la comunicación arteriovenosa anómala. Su diagnóstico oportuno se logra con imágenes diagnósticas convencionales y es, en la mayoría de los casos, sugerido inicialmente por el radiólogo. El tratamiento temprano impacta de forma positiva el pronóstico del paciente, ya que puede llegar a ser reversible. Se presenta un caso de difícil diagnóstico inicial y buena evolución clínica.

Even though it is not a common pathology, spinal dural fistula is the most frequent abnormal arteriovenous communication of the spinal canal. It usually courses as an extensive low myelopathy due to venous congestion and venous thrombosis, as a consequence of the abnormal arteriovenous shunt. Timely diagnosis is achieved with conventional imaging techniques. In most cases, it is initially suggested by the radiologist. Early treatment improves clinical prognosis, because the damage produced may be reversible. We present a case of spinal dural fistula with a difficult initial diagnosis and favorable clinical evolution.

Anestesia en neuroradiología intervencionista / Anesthesia for interventional neuroradiology

Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) is firmly established in the management of cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this manuscript is to present the author's critical review of the literature and interpretation emphasizing perioperative and anesthetic management strategies to prevent complications and minimize their effects if they occur. Planning the anesthetic and perioperative management is predicated on understanding the goals of the therapeutic intervention and anticipating potential problems.

La Neuroradiología Intervencionista (NRI) está firmemente establecida en el manejo de la patología cerebrovascular. El objetivo del presente manuscrito es presentar una revisión crítica de la literatura e interpretación por parte del autor, enfatizando las estrategias perioperatorias y anestésicas para prevenir complicaciones y minimizar sus efectos en caso de que estas se presenten. La planeación de la gestión anestésica y perioperatoria se fundamenta en comprender las metas de la intervención terapéutica y anticiparse a los problemas potenciales.