Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a potentially lethal subset of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis that may occur as a result of septic and aseptic etiologies. The overall incidence is estimated to be between 0.2 and 1.6 per 100,000 persons; and treatments include antibiotics, anticoagulation, corticosteroids, and surgery. Recent morbidity and mortality estimates are approximately 15% and 11%, respectively. Rapid identification and treatment are essential and may reduce the risk of poor outcome or death.

Carotid Cavernous Fistula.

Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCFs) are arteriovenous shunts involving the cavernous sinus. CCFs are defined as direct or indirect. Direct CCFs are treated by deconstructive or reconstructive techniques depending on whether the affected internal carotid artery is required to perfuse the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere, as determined by a balloon test occlusion. Indirect CCFs, or dural fistulae of the cavernous sinus wall, are most often treated with transvenous embolization. Stereotactic radiosurgery is reserved for cases of indirect CCFs that are not completely obliterated by embolization. Overall, cure rates are high with relatively low complication rates.

A quantitative comparative surgical analysis of the endoscopic transorbital approach and frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic approach for extradural exposure of the cavernous sinus.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the endoscopic superior eyelid transorbital approach (SETA) has emerged as a potential alternative to access the cavernous sinus (CS). Several previous studies have attempted to quantitatively compare the traditional open anterolateral skull base approaches with transorbital exposure; however, these comparisons have been limited to the area of exposure provided by the bone opening and trajectory, and fail to account for the main avenues of exposure provided by subsequent requisite surgical maneuvers. The authors quantitatively compare the surgical access provided by the frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic (FTOZ) approach and the SETA following applicable periclinoid surgical maneuvers, evaluate the surgical exposure of key structures in each, and discuss optimal approach selection. METHODS: SETA and FTOZ approaches were performed with subsequent applicable surgical maneuvers on 8 cadaveric heads. The lengths of exposure of cranial nerves (CNs) II-VI and the cavernous internal carotid artery; the areas of the space accessed within the supratrochlear, infratrochlear, and supramaxillary (anteromedial) triangles; the total area of exposure; and the angles of attack were measured and compared. RESULTS: Exposure of the extradural CS was comparable between approaches, whereas access was significantly greater in the FTOZ approach compared with the SETA. The lengths of extradural exposure of CN III, V1, V2, and V3 were comparable between approaches. The FTOZ approach provided marginally increased exposure of CNs IV (20.9 ± 2.36 mm vs 13.4 ± 3.97 mm, p = 0.023) and VI (14.1 ± 2.44 mm vs 9.22 ± 3.45 mm, p = 0.066). The FTOZ also provided significantly larger vertical (44.5° ± 6.15° vs 18.4° ± 1.65°, p = 0.002) and horizontal (41.5° ± 5.40° vs 15.3° ± 5.06°, p < 0.001) angles of attack, and thus significantly greater surgical freedom, and provided significantly greater access to the supratrochlear (p = 0.021) and infratrochlear (p = 0.007) triangles, and significantly greater exposure of the cavernous internal carotid artery (17.2 ± 1.70 mm vs 8.05 ± 2.37 mm, p = 0.001). Total area of exposure was also significantly larger in the FTOZ, which provided wide access to the lateral wall of the CS as well as the possibility for intradural access. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to quantitatively identify the relative advantages of the FTOZ and transorbital approaches at the target region following requisite surgical maneuvers. Understanding these data will aid in selecting an optimal approach and maneuver set based on target lesion size and location.

Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery for treatment of sphenoid wing meningiomas extending to the cavernous sinus: clinical implications and a technical illustration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) in the management of sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) with cavernous sinus and orbital invasion. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 32 patients with SWMs treated at Gazi University using TONES from October 2019 to May 2023. The study includes clinical applications to elucidate the endoscopic transorbital approach. Surgical techniques focused on safe subtotal resection, aiming to minimize residual tumor volume for subsequent radiosurgery. Data were collected on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, complications, and postoperative outcomes, including radiological imaging and ophthalmological evaluations. RESULTS: Surgical dissections delineated a three-phase endoscopic transorbital approach: extraorbital, intraorbital, and intracranial. In the clinical application, gross-total resection was not achieved in any patient because of planned postoperative Gamma Knife radiosurgery. The mean follow-up period was 16.3 months. Of 30 patients with preoperative proptosis, 25 experienced postoperative improvement. No new-onset extraocular muscle paresis or visual loss occurred postoperatively. The average hospital stay was 1.15 days, with minimal complications and no significant morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Total resection of SWMs invading the cavernous sinus and orbit is associated with substantial risks, particularly cranial nerve deficits. TONES offers a minimally invasive alternative, reducing morbidity compared with transcranial approaches, and represents a significant advancement in the surgical management of SWMs, especially those extending into the cavernous sinus and orbit. The approach provides a safe, effective, and patient-centric approach, prioritizing subtotal resection to minimize neurological deficits while preparing patients for adjunctive radiosurgery. This study positions TONES as a transformative surgical technique, aligning therapeutic efficacy with neurovascular preservation and postoperative recovery.

Comparison of the transarterial, transvenous, and superior ophthalmic vein approaches in the treatment of indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal arteriovenous shunting lesions with a highly variable clinical presentation that depends on the drainage pattern. Based on venous drainage, treatment can be either transarterial (TA) or transvenous (TV). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of indirect CCF embolization via the TA, TV, and direct superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) approaches. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 74 patients admitted to their institution from 2010 to 2023 with the diagnosis of 77 indirect CCFs as confirmed on digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients with 77 indirect CCFs were included in this study. Embolization was performed via the TA approach in 4 cases, the TV approach in 50 cases, and the SOV in 23 cases. At the end of the procedure, complete occlusion was achieved in 76 (98.7%) cases. The rate of complete occlusion at the end of the procedure and at last radiological follow-up was significantly higher in the SOV and TV cohorts than in the TA cohort. The rate of recurrence was highest in the TA cohort (25% for TA vs 5.3% for TV vs 0% for SOV, p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of immediate complete occlusion was higher in the TV and SOV cohorts than in the TA cohort while the rate of complete occlusion at final follow-up was highest in the SOV cohort. The SOV approach was significantly associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. Indirect CCFs require careful examination of the fistulous point and the venous drainage to provide the most effective patient-tailored approach.

Usefulness of Opening the Diaphragma Sellae Before Transecting Interclinoidal Ligament for Endoscopic Endonasal Transoculomotor Triangle Approach: Technical Nuances and Surgical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Opening the oculomotor triangle (OT) and removing the posterior fossa lesion by endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is challenging for even an experienced endoscopic neurosurgeon. We summarize the treatment experience and technical nuances with EEA for resection of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and cavernous sinus (CS) meningiomas invading through the OT. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2022, 8 patients, comprising 5 with pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (3 with nonfunctioning and 2 with somatotroph tumors with increased levels of growth hormone) and 3 CS meningiomas, were treated using an endoscopic endonasal transoculomotor triangle approach. The critical surgical technique is continuously opening the diaphragma sellae from medial to lateral toward the interclinoidal ligament and transecting it to enlarge the OT. We evaluated preoperative tumor size, previous surgical history, preoperative symptoms, extent of tumor resection, histopathology, and postoperative complications for all patients. RESULTS: The gross total resection (defined as complete removal) in 3 patients (38%), near-total resection (defined as >95% removal) in 4 patients (50%), and subtotal resection (defined as ≤90% removal) in 1 patient (12%) and gross total resection of tumor invading through the OT was achieved in all patients through pure EEA. Two of 3 patients with visual deficits in nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors improved, and the other remained stable postoperatively. One patient showed transient oculomotor nerve palsy. The growth hormone level of the 2 patients with somatotroph tumors declined to normal. For 3 patients with CS meningiomas, cranial nerve palsy improved in 2 patients, whereas the other patient developed increased facial numbness after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic endonasal transoculomotor triangle approach is an efficient surgical option for tumors with CS invasion and OT penetration.

Successful surgical treatment of oculomotor palsy due to schwannoma of the cavernous sinus in a 7-year-old girl: a case report.

Oculomotor nerve schwannoma in children not associated with neurofibromatosis is a rare disease, with 26 pediatric cases reported so far. There is no established treatment plan. A 7-year-old girl presented with oculomotor nerve palsy. Surgical reduction of the tumor combined with postoperative gamma knife surgery preserved the oculomotor nerve, improved oculomotor nerve function, and achieved tumor control during the observation period of 20 months. The combination of partial surgical resection and gamma knife surgery as a treatment strategy for oculomotor nerve schwannoma resulted in a good outcome.

The learning curve for cavernous sinus surgery illustrated by symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm clipping through a pretemporal transcavernous approach.

OBJECTIVE: The anatomy of the cavernous sinus (CS) has been well studied in the laboratory for decades; however, performing surgery in and around the CS is still a challenge. To reveal the learning curve for CS surgery via the pretemporal transcavernous approach (PTTC), surgical procedures were examined. The authors proposed 4 levels of surgical difficulty in opening the walls of the CS through this approach. Details of the approach were illustrated by surgical videos of symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm clipping. METHODS: Four levels of surgical difficulty were proposed. The higher the level, the more the CS walls were opened. Pathologies corresponding to each level of difficulty in and around the CS were categorized in each level together with explanations. From 2015 to 2021, 5 patients with symptomatic intracavernous aneurysms (diplopia due to compressive cranial neuropathy) underwent the PTTC at the authors' institute and served as representative cases in opening the walls of the CS. All CS cases from 2009 to 2021 were reviewed and categorized to demonstrate the learning curve. RESULTS: Four levels of surgical difficulty are as follows: level 1, a basic Dolenc extradural approach, which involves opening the anterior third of the superior and lateral walls of the CS; level 2, mobilizing the internal carotid artery (ICA) and opening the proximal dural ring to enter the roof of the CS and treat lesions around the clinoid and upper cavernous ICA; level 3, opening the entire aspect of the superior and lateral walls of the CS, which involves opening the oculomotor triangle and peeling the lateral wall of the CS to the tentorial incisura; and level 4, mobilizing cranial nerves III, IV, and V1 to gain access to the supra-/infratrochlear triangles to have proximal ICA control and opening the posterior wall as the last step to enter the posterior fossa. Surgical steps were described and illustrated with surgical videos of symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm clipping. CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve for CS surgery is long. The authors use 4 levels of surgical difficulty to describe applications of the PTTC in CS surgery. This approach serves as an effective workhorse in treating CS pathologies with low morbidity and high success rates when performed by experienced neurosurgeons.

The lateral transorbital approach to the medial sphenoid wing, anterior clinoid, middle fossa, cavernous sinus, and Meckel's cave: target-based classification, approach-related complications, and intermediate-term ocular outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The lateral transorbital approach (LTOA) is a relatively new minimal access skull base approach suited for addressing paramedian pathology of the anterior and middle fossa. The authors define target zones for this approach and describe a series of cases with detailed measurements of visual outcomes, including those obtained with exophthalmometry. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of LTOA patients. Seven target zones were identified: 1) the orbit, 2) the lesser sphenoid wing and anterior clinoid, 3) the middle fossa, 4) the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave, 5) the infratemporal fossa, 6) the petrous apex, and 7) the anterior fossa. The authors used volumetric analyses of preoperative and postoperative MR and CT imaging data to calculate the volume of bone and tumor removed and to provide detailed ophthalmological, neurological, and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients in this cohort, pathology was in zone 2 (n = 10), zone 4 (n = 6), zone 3 (n = 2), zone 1 (n = 1), and zone 5 (n = 1). Pathology was meningioma (n = 10), schwannoma (n = 2), metastasis (n = 2), epidermoid (n = 1), dermoid (n = 1), encephalocele (n = 1), adenoma (n = 1), glioblastoma (n = 1), and inflammatory lesion (n = 1). The goal was gross-total resection (GTR) in 9 patients, all of whom achieved GTR. Subtotal resection (STR) was the goal in 8 patients (5 spheno-orbital meningiomas, 1 giant cavernous sinus/Meckel's cave schwannoma, 1 cavernous sinus prolactinoma, and 1 cavernous sinus dermoid), 7 of whom achieved STR and 1 of whom achieved GTR. The goal was biopsy in 2 patient and repair of encephalocele in 1. Visual acuity was stable or improved in 18 patients and worse in 2. Transient early postoperative diplopia, ptosis, eyelid swelling, and peri-orbital numbness were common. All 9 patients with preoperative diplopia improved at their last follow-up. Seven of 8 patients with preoperative exophthalmos improved after surgery (average correction of 64%). There were no cases of clinically significant (> 2 mm) postoperative enophthalmos. The most frequent postoperative complaint was peri-orbital numbness (40%). There was 1 CSF leak. Most patients were satisfied with their ocular (84%-100% of patients provided positive satisfaction-related responses) and cosmetic (75%-100%) outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The LTOA is a safe minimal access approach to a variety of paramedian anterior skull base pathologies in several locations. Early follow-up revealed excellent resolution of exophthalmos with little risk of clinically significant enophthalmos. Transient diplopia, ptosis, and peri-orbital numbness were common but improved. Careful case selection is critical to ensure good outcome.

Management of cavernous sinus meningiomas: Clinical features, treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to summarize the clinical and prognostic features of cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSM), evaluate the treatment strategies and long-term prognosis of CSM, and improve the management of CSM and the treatment effect for patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the data of 54 patients who received initial surgical resection and 45 patients who received initial gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for CSM at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2009 to 2021. Progression-free survival (PFS), Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores and neurological function recovery were adopted to assess a comprehensive management strategy for CSM. RESULTS: Gross total resection (GTR) was performed in 51.9 % of cases with 3.7 % surgical mortality. The average follow-up time was 48.7 months, with a progression rate of 29.3 %. The overall improvement rate for cranial nerve function deficits was 50.0 %. By survival analysis, the extent of resection and the histological grade were significantly related to the prognosis. The role of postoperative GKRS is uncertain. For patients who received initial GKRS, the progression rate was 17.8 %, and the overall improvement rate for cranial nerve function deficits was 61.1 %. Primary treatment with GKRS showed better long-term tumor control in patients with CSM (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Maximum safe resection of CSM can improve the neurological function and quality of life of patients, but aggressive resection will cause high perioperative mortality and complication rates. For CSM patients who are suitable for initial gamma knife treatment, choosing GKRS can achieve better long-term tumor control and neurological outcomes.

Exposure of the Cavernous Sinus via the Endoscopic Transorbital and Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) and endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in terms of cavernous sinus (CS) exposure. METHODS: Four cadaveric heads (8 sides) were dissected. The CS was accessed using the EEA and ETOA. Stereotactic measurements of the length of the main structures exposed, angles of attack, depths of surgical corridor, and areas of exposure were obtained and compared between the approaches. An illustrative case is also presented. RESULTS: The endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) exposed the lateral and superior compartments of the CS without obstruction by the internal carotid artery (ICA). The EEA exposed all compartments after mobilizing the ICA. Both approaches enabled similar exposure of the cranial nerves. The depth of surgical corridor was significantly shorter with the ETOA (P < 0.01). The areas of lateral compartment exposure were similar. As the number of instruments placed into the surgical channel increased, the available angles of attack with the ETOA became smaller and were smaller than those of the EEA. In the clinical case presented, the tumor was successfully removed without complications. CONCLUSIONS: The ETOA has the advantages of a sterile surgical channel, short operation time, little patient trauma, short surgical corridor, large exposure area, and interdural pathway; moreover, it allows dissection through the interdural space without entering the neurovascular compartment of the CS. Although the space for manipulation of instruments is limited, the ETOA is suitable for treating selected tumors in the superior and lateral compartments of the CS.

Anterolateral surgical triangle of the cavernous sinus: a cadaveric study of neurosurgical importance.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral triangle around the cavernous sinus is a surgical skull base triangle used as a neurosurgical landmark essential to skull-based surgeries. There are few reports of its measurements with little attention paid to anatomical variations. METHODOLOGY: A total of 15 adult human cadaveric skulls were dissected to expose the anterolateral triangle on both sides. The triangle was defined and measurements of the three borders were taken precisely and the area of each triangle was calculated using Heron's formula. RESULTS: On an average, the length of the anteromedial border is 11.4 (+ 2.2 mm); the length of the posteromedial border is 8.7 (+ 2.6 mm); the length of the lateral border is 13.06 (+ 2.6 mm) and the area of the anterolateral triangle is 48.05 (+ 17.5 mm2). CONCLUSION: Concise understanding of anterolateral triangle is essential to skull-based surgeries; comprehending its anatomy helps with better surgical planning and provides insight into local pathology.

Role of Cavernous Sinus Extension and MRI T2 Hypointensity in the Extent of Resection following Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery for Giant Pituitary Adenomas.

Background: Giant pituitary adenomas (GPA) pose a significant neurosurgical challenge. In this study, we present an experience of 60 consecutive patients with GPA operated by trans-sphenoidal surgery (microscopic/endoscopic). Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate preoperative factors predicting extent of resection (EOR) following transsphenoidal surgery for GPA. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective evaluation of 60 adult patients (>18 years) with GPA operated over a decade. The patients were analyzed for their clinical presentation, EOR, radiology, visual outcome, endocrinological outcome, and complications. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 41.5 ± 13.3 years, mean tumor volume was 38.2 ± 19.1 cm3, and mean follow-up was 30.6 ± 21.7 months. Improvement in vision was seen in forty patients (66.7%), while another 16 (26.7%) had stable vision as prior to surgery. Duration of visual symptoms was found to be statistically significantly associated with postoperative improvement of vision (P = 0.001). Twenty-four patients (40.0%) underwent subtotal resection (STR), while the remaining 36 patients (60.0%) underwent either gross total or near-total resection. Factors associated with STR were retrosellar (P = 0.04), subfrontal (P = 0.02), Knosp 3,4 cavernous sinus extension (P = 0.03), and MRI T2 hypointensity (P = 0.02). During follow-up, eight patients (13.3%) had radiological evidence of growth of residual tumor. Conclusions: Most cases of GPA can be adequately handled by trans-sphenoidal surgery. The presence of retrosellar, subfrontal, cavernous sinus extensions, and T2 hypointensity should alert the surgeon for likelihood of STR, postoperative residual tumor hemorrhage and need for second-stage endonasal or transcranial surgery. However, utilization of extended endoscopic route has allowed good debulking of tumors having subfrontal and parasellar extensions, which was not possible previously using traditional microscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

A case report of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor manifesting as severe conjunctival chemosis.

BACKGROUND: Conjunctival chemosis (CC) is an extremely rare symptom of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). We report an extremely rare case of PitNET manifesting as severe CC. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with severe CC, proptosis, and ptosis of the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the tumor mass invading the cavernous sinus (CS) with cystic lesion. The patient underwent emergent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and the pathological diagnosis was PitNET. CC of the right eye remarkably improved after the surgery. Glucocorticoid therapy was performed for right oculomotor nerve palsy, which rapidly improved. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from our hospital without hormone replacement. CONCLUSIONS: CC caused by CS invasion of PitNET can be cured by early surgical treatment. Therefore, PitNET is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of CC.

Embolization of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Liquid Materials Under Transarterial Balloon Protection.

AIM: To analyze the clinical and angiographic outcomes of interventional embolization under transarterial balloon protection technique in patients with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a single-center cohort of 30 patients undergoing cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas embolization under balloon protection. We collected their clinical symptoms, complications, mid-term follow-up angiographic results, and long-term clinical outcomes for the baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty patients with 31 lesions were included in this study. Immediate applications of angiographies after embolization indicated that complete obliteration occurred in 29 lesions (93.5% of 31 lesions). Two cases with permanent trigeminal nerve palsy were treated by arterial approach. Onyx dispersed into the internal carotid artery in one process, and salvage stent implantation was performed to prevent parent artery occlusion. CONCLUSION: Interventional embolization with intra-arterial balloon protection is effective and safe with rarely occurring complications.

Microscopic with Endoscopic Surgery via Subtemporal Approach for Cavernous Sinus Cholesteatomas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 16 patients with cavernous sinus cholesteatomas, explore the surgical outcomes, and summarize the surgical experience. METHODS: Patients with cavernous sinus cholesteatomas underwent surgery between June 2016 and June 2022 at the Department of Neurosurgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Clinical data were obtained from all patients for analysis. RESULTS: Common preoperative symptoms included headache, dizziness, diplopia, ptosis, and facial numbness. There were 7 patients with 2 or more symptoms. There were 13 patients with total resection and 3 patients with subtotal resection. There were 5 patients with improved postoperative symptoms, 10 patients with no significant change, and 1 patient with worse symptoms. New postoperative cranial nerve defects occurred in 4 patients. During the follow-up, all patients had favorable prognosis without progression. CONCLUSIONS: Using "double-scope" technique, the subtemporal approach, a surgical strategy for cavernous sinus cholesteatomas, was sufficient to completely resect the tumors.

An algorithm for the treatment of concurrent pituitary adenoma and cavernous sinus aneurysm: A systematic review & case report.

BACKGROUND: Rarely, Pituitary adenomas (PA) can co-occur with intrasellar or intracavernous aneurysms. There is currently no clear guidance for the management of this dual pathology. We attempt to provide an algorithm to help guide clinical decision making for treatment of PAs co-occurring with adjacent cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using various databases. Search terms included "(Pituitary Adenoma OR Prolactinoma OR Macroadenoma OR Adenoma) AND (ICA OR Internal Carotid Artery OR paracliniod OR clinoid) Aneurysm AND (Intra-cavernous OR intracavernous OR intrasellar OR Cavernous)." RESULTS: A total of 24 studies with 24 patients were included. Twelve (50%) patients experienced visual symptoms. Ten patients (42%) had an aneurysm embedded within the adenoma. Fourteen patients (58%) had an aneurysm adjacent to the adenoma. Embedded aneurysms were significantly associated with rupture events. CONCLUSION: Vision loss is the most pressing determinant of treatment. In the absence of visual symptoms, the aneurysm should be treated first by coil embolization. If not amenable to coiling, place flow diverting stent followed by six months of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. If visual loss is apparent, the adenoma-aneurysm spatial relationship becomes critical. In cases of an adjacent aneurysm, the adenoma should be removed transsphenoidally with extreme care and aneurysm rupture protocols in place. If the aneurysm is embedded within the adenoma, then a BTO is favored with permanent ICA occlusion followed by transsphenoidal resection if adequate collateral supply is demonstrated. If there is inadequate collateral supply, then an open-approach for amenable aneurysms with transcranial adenoma debulking should be performed.

Endovascular treatment in bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Few studies have discussed the disease nature and treatment outcomes for bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of bilateral CSDAVF. Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library were searched for studies that specified the outcomes of bilateral CSDAVF from inception to April 2022. The classification, clinical presentation, angiographic feature, surgical approach, and treatment outcomes were collected. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Eight studies reporting 97 patients were included. The clinical presentation was mainly orbital (n = 80), cavernous (n = 52) and cerebral (n = 5) symptoms. The most approached surgical route was inferior petrosal sinus (n = 80), followed by superior orbital vein (n = 10), and alternative approach (n = 7). Clinical symptoms of 88% of the patients (95% CI 80-93%, I2 = 0%) were cured, and 82% (95% CI 70-90%, I2 = 7%) had angiographic complete obliteration of fistulas during follow up. The overall complication rate was 18% (95% CI 11-27%, I2 = 0%). Therefore, endovascular treatment is an effective treatment for bilateral CSDAVF regarding clinical or angiographic outcomes. However, detailed evaluation of preoperative images and comprehensive surgical planning of the approach route are mandatory owing to complexity of the lesions.