Penetrating intracranial trauma of two minors treated with endovascular technique with the use of temporary balloon occlusion for proximal arterial control.

We present two children treated with endovascular techniques to gain proximal arterial control of the internal carotid and vertebral artery prior to removal of penetrating objects from the skull base. Both siblings (8-month-old and 22-month-old boys) were injured by different sharp objects (knife and scissor) by a guardian. They were transported to the emergency room where vascular control, including coil embolisation and internal carotid balloon occlusion, was performed in the neuroendovascular suite for safe removal of penetrating objects. Both minors recovered and were discharged home without any focal neurological deficits. In two children with scissor and knife stab with intracranial penetration, endovascular technique allowed safe removal of objects and ensured proximal arterial control was maintained to control for possible extravasation of blood on removal from the skull base.

Endovascular treatment for acute paraplegia after epidural steroid injection in a patient with spinal dural arteriovenous malformation.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are the most common type of spinal arteriovenous malformations. Type 1 spinal arteriovenous malformations are defined by the presence of radiculomeningeal feeders that drain into intradural veins. Patients with these lesions frequently present with chronic myelopathy, which is most often caused by venous hypertension. The authors present the case of a 69-year-old man with acute paraparesis following a lumbar epidural injection, resulting from a previously undiagnosed SDAVF. The patient initially reported right lower-extremity weakness and paresthesias and was referred to an orthopedic practice. His pain and weakness were exacerbated with ambulation. Reevaluation at 4 months was remarkable for groin, mild low-back, and buttock pain. The patient received a right L5-S1 interlaminar epidural steroid injection and became acutely weak. He presented to the emergency department 3 hours after the injection. Once MRI of the lumbar and thoracic spine had been performed, the neurosurgery service was consulted, and it was decided to proceed with emergent spinal angiography with the intent to embolize the fistula. An emergent spinal angiogram was obtained, revealing 2 arterial pedicles emanating from the right T-5 and T-6 radicular arteries. Transarterial embolization was thought to be the most rapid way to potentially obliterate the fistula. The patient exhibited immediate improvement in neurological function, and by 6 hours postprocedure, his neurological function was near normal. He was ambulatory and released to home 3 days after the embolization procedure.