Utility of targeted balloon protection of the venous sinus for endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula by transarterial embolization with Onyx: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Onyx has already been reported as an effective and safe agent in transarterial embolization of cranial dural arteriovenous fistula (d-AVF). However, successful treatment is related to not only complete shunt obliteration but also preservation of a normal route of venous drainage. Here, we present a case of transverse sigmoid d-AVF in which successful treatment was achieved by transarterial Onyx embolization with targeted balloon protection of the venous drainage. Case Description: A 70-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of tinnitus in the left ear and mild headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the area of the left transverse sinus (TS)-sigmoid sinus (SS) junction. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a Cognard type IIa d-AVF at the left TS-SS junction, supplied mainly by vessels such as the left middle meningeal artery, left occipital artery, and left meningohypophyseal trunk. In the venous phase, the ipsilateral TS-SS was recognized as a functional sinus and the left vein of Labbe drained into the TS near the drainage channel. Based on these findings, we decided to perform endovascular treatment under a transarterial approach with Onyx using targeted balloon protection of the venous sinus to protect against Onyx migration and preserve antegrade sinus flow. The patient recovered well without sequelae, and follow-up MRI 12 months later showed complete disappearance of the d-AVF. Conclusion: This treatment strategy using targeted balloon protection may be very useful to preserve antegrade sinus flow in patients with Cognard type IIa d-AVF.