Trans-Cranial Embolisation of a Complex Transverse Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula by Direct Puncture of the Superior Sagittal Sinus.

This technical note describes a direct puncture of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) to treat a complex dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). A 40-year-old female was admitted having a history of increasing confusion. Computer tomography revealed enlargement of the right superior ophthalmic vein and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated extensive bilateral hemispheric venous engorgement. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated a high flow dAVF involving the right transverse sinus. There was extensive cortical venous rerouting with venous sinus occlusion at the right transverse and sigmoid junction. Under general anesthesia, the sinus was exposed and catheterized. The angiography catheter was fed over the guide wire into the sinus. The remaining right sigmoid and transverse sinus were obliterated using a combination of microcoils and Onyx®. She made a good postoperative recovery, and a repeat DSA at 30 days postoperatively showed evidence of the meningohypophyseal trunk but complete occlusion of the fistula. A check DSA 2 years later confirmed no evidence of a residual fistula. Our case demonstrates the potential use of the SSS as a novel conduit to treat distant targets.

Carotico-cavernous fistula secondary to Varicella zoster?

We describe the case of a previously well, 73-year-old male patient who presented with a spontaneous high flow, carotico-cavernous fistula, 1 month following an attack of herpes zoster. We postulate that the zoster virus was the underlying cause, given the history and time frame between the preceding shingles and the subsequent development of the fistula. The literature supporting this hypothesis is reviewed.

Horizontal stent-assisted coil embolisation of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with the Enterprise stent--a case series with early angiographic follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study is to describe our experience in eight cases of horizontal stenting across the circle of Willis in patients with terminal aneurysms. METHODS: Eight patients were treated with horizontal stent placement and aneurysm coiling. All aneurysms had highly unfavourable dome to neck ratios. All patients were followed up with digital subtraction angiography at 3-12 months following treatment. RESULTS: The Enterprise stent was successfully deployed horizontally in vessels of less than 2-mm diameter with no stent occlusion. Neurological complications occurred in one patient. Immediate and follow-up angiographic results were encouraging with six stable occlusions at 6 months. There was one asymptomatic case of in-stent stenosis and one case of late organised in-stent thrombus. CONCLUSIONS: Horizontal deployment of the Enterprise stent to assist coil embolisation of wide-necked terminal aneurysms is feasible. This device can be navigated via relatively small communicating arteries, in cases with favourable anatomy. Early angiographic results were favourable; however, longer-term follow-up will be required.

Stroke in Asia.

The epidemic of cardiovascular disease across most of Asia is at a different stage from that in the West; the incidence and prevalence of stroke are increasing steadily, associated with nutritional changes and aging of the population. Epidemiologic data, crucial in combating stroke, have been relatively sparse in Asian populations, but a few international collaborative studies on stroke have been in progress for several years. Through these, we now know that ischemic stroke is actually the most frequent type of cerebrovascular accident in Asia, although hemorrhagic stroke remains more common in Asia than in the West. Also, the percentage of ischemic stroke attributable to intracranial vascular disease is much higher than in the West. In Japan and a few other countries, stroke rates are declining; however, increasing rates in most other countries make primary prevention of critical importance in minimizing the severe impact of this epidemic in Asia.