Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas with Venous Drainage Patterns Inducing Ocular Manifestations Mimicking a Carotid Cavernous Fistula: Report of 2 Cases

BACKGROUND: Cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are abnormal connections between arteries supplying the dura mater and the cranial venous system. These present with various signs and symptoms. Progressive ocular manifestations are quite rare and may be confused with carotid cavernous fistulas (CCF). CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we present 2 cases of dAVF manifesting with ocular symptomatology referred to our center erroneously diagnosed as CCF, and discuss the effect of venous drainage pattern on the clinical presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular manifestations of cerebrovascular origin are not necessarily associated with CCF or cavernous sinus dAVF. Other vascular malformations such as dAVFs should be considered specifically when accompanied by venous stenosis distal to the site of the fistula.