Ultrasound-guided transjugular embolization of ruptured huge venous ectasia of a Cognard IV tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula as a first-stage lifesaving procedure: Review of the literature

Abstract

Tentorium is a rare location of the brain dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) consisting <4% of cases. Hemorrhagic clinical presentation is common, as cortical venous reflux consists a usual characteristic of tentorial DAVF's angioarchitecture. We present a case of transvenous, transjugular embolization of a ruptured huge venous ectasia of a Cognard IV tentorial middle-line DAVF, as a first step life-saving procedure. Initially, a transarterial antegrade embolization attempt was performed but failed due to the tortuous course of arterial feeders. Subsequently, the internal jugular vein (IJV) was directly catheterized under ultrasound (U/S) guidance and a 6F guiding catheter was placed at the ipsilateral transverse sinus. A microcatheter was navigated inside the venous ectasia and eventually, coils were deployed inside causing complete occlusion of the huge venous ectatic aneurysm. In this way, initial occlusion of the venous ectatic ruptured point has been achieved as a first-stage lifesaving treatment. Subsequently, the patient underwent stereotactic radiosurgery for the DAVF 4 months after embolization. Angiographic control with digital subtraction angiography 2 years after embolization and additional stereotactic radiosurgery revealed complete occlusion of the tentorial DAVF. The patient experienced complete neurological recovery. Direct puncture of the IJV under U/S guidance may assist transvenous embolization of ruptured venous ectasia in case of complex tentorial middle-line DAVFs type IV when the ecstatic venous aneurysm is recognized as the bleeding source.

Keywords

• tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula
• torcular
• transvenous embolization
• ultrasound guidance
• venous ectasia