Optic nerve sheath dural arteriovenous fistula misdiagnosed as a carotid cavernous fistula

Abstract

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVf) are uncommon, acquired vascular lesions. Their location and vascular anatomy produces varied signs and symptoms and are misdiagnosed as other vascular anomalies. We present an atypical case of a dAVf identified along the left optic nerve sheath. The patient presented with progressive ophthalmological signs and was initially misdiagnosed with a left carotid-cavernous fistula. The aetiology, classification and treatment options are discussed.