A retrospective review was made to assess the accuracy of four dimensional CT angiogram (4D-CTA) in diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF), with catheter-based digital-subtraction angiogram (DSA) being gold standard. 33 pairs of investigations (DSA and 4D-CTA) were performed primarily for suspicion of AVM/DAVF. Based on blinded reports, sensitivity and specificity for detection of AVM/DAVF were 77% (95% CI: 46-95%) and 100% (95% CI: 83-100%) respectively. Positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI: 69-100%) and negative predictive value 87% (95% CI: 66-97%). 4D-CTA is a practical minimally-invasive technique for evaluating cerebrovascular pathologies. There is good agreement between the findings of 4D-CTA and DSA despite the differences in temporal and spatial resolutions. 4D-CTA may obviate the need for DSA in a subgroup of patients who would otherwise have undergone this invasive investigation, which carries a risk of important complications.

Background A stable guide catheter position within the intracranial vasculature is critical for safe, successful endovascular treatment. Objective To present ourinitial experience with the 0.071 inch inner diameter Benchmark guide catheter used in the treatment of intracranial cerebrovascular pathologies, demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed use of the Benchmark guide catheter from September through December 2014 in the management of various neuroendovascular intracranial pathologies. Clinical performance and complication rates were evaluated, with particular consideration of vessel tortuosity. A total of 62 Benchmarks were used, 47 in the anterior circulation, 10 in the posterior circulation, 4 in the external carotid, and 1 in the venous sinus. The five cases with access to the external carotid and venous sinus were excluded. Results The Benchmark was able to cross at least one 90°turn in 49 (86%) of the 57 patients. Reversal of the catheter was seen in 15% of 47 anterior circulation cases (4 at one 90°turn; 3 at two 90°turns). We report no complications of dissection or thromboembolic events. All guide catheter positions were safely achieved over a 0.035 Terumo stiff glidewire without need for an inner smaller lumen guide catheter for navigation. Conclusions Benchmark is a new guide catheter, with an ideal combination of both hyperflexible, atraumatic distal tip and optimized proximal shaft support to provide stable 6F primary access for a successful neurointerventional procedure. Benchmark can be easily, safely, and consistently positioned in a desired location within intracranial arteries providing a stable position for intervention and adequate angiography.

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We present our initial patient experience with an innovative temporary bridging device, the Comaneci (Rapid Medical, Israel), to assist in the coiling of cerebral aneurysms. The Comaneci device confers the same benefits as balloon remodeling but without the risks of parent artery occlusion. This alleviates time pressure on the clinician, and could reduce the risk of parent artery thrombosis. Three patients were treated with the Comaneci device. Two patients had acute ruptured posterior communicating aneurysms and one patient was treated electively for a carotico-ophthalmic aneurysm. Excellent occlusion of all three aneurysms was obtained. One patient developed a distal middle cerebral artery clot, that was treated with intravenous aspirin, with minor neurological consequences. These early results show that the Comaneci device can be used to achieve good cerebral aneurysm occlusion. Vessel patency is maintained throughout the procedure with potential advantages over conventional balloon assisted coiling.

We describe a man with an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula that presented as a subacute longitudinally extensive cervical myelopathy. The uncommon location of the fistula and the absence of specific radiological signs resulted in initial misdiagnosis as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Neurologists should have a high index of suspicion for dural arteriovenous fistula in older men, especially those with subacute or chronic symptoms, acellular cerebrospinal fluid and, particularly, if there is neurological deterioration soon after corticosteroid treatment. Patients need early angiography to identify this treatable cause of myelopathy.