Endovascular treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulae of the superior petrosal sinus

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of endovascular embolization for treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae of the superior petrosal sinus. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 18 patients treated during a 16-year period. Transarterial and/or transvenous embolizations were performed as a preoperative adjunct or definitive therapy. Clinical follow- up status was supplemented by telephone interviews to determine Glasgow Outcome scale scores. RESULTS: fourteen patients (78%) were treated with a combination of endovascular therapy and open surgery, and 4 were treated by embolization alone (22%). Angiographic cure was achieved in all patients (100%). Thirty-day morbidity and mortality were only 11 and 0%, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 years. At the latest follow-up examination, all patients had returned to independent clinical status (Glasgow Outcome Scale score or 1 or 2). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula can be achieved. preoperative embolization is a safe and effective adjunct to minimize bleeding during open neurosurgery.