Atransverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

Aim. To improve the diagnostics and treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae. Material and Methods. The results of investigation and treatment of a dural arteriovenous fistula in a 65-year-old woman are described. Results and Discussions. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of a continuous ear murmur, dizziness, and headaches. The complaints lasted for one year. From her medical history it was known that she suffered from purulent otitis six years before. A systole-diastolic blood shunt was revealed at the level of her external carotid artery at the Doppler investigation. The MRI detected a recanalized sigmoid dural sinus and a fistula from the occipital artery to the transverse sinus. The fistula was eliminated by ligation of the external carotid artery and its branches. Conclusions. Symptomatic cranial dural arteriovenous fistula can be successfully eliminated by ligation of the feeding arteries in anatomically favorable cases.

Keywords

• dural arteriovenous fistula, selective mri angiography, external carotid artery