Far Lateral Approach for Disconnection of Craniocervical Junction Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presented with Myelopathy and Hydrocephalus

Abstract

We report a case of craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) presented with myelopathy and normal pressure hydrocephalus, and was treated with hybrid approach of embolization and surgical disconnection. A 68-year-old gentleman presented with 1 year history of unsteady gait and sphincter disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed abnormally enlarged and tortuous vessels over right cerebellomedullary cistern. Digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) showed Cognard's type-V dAVF at craniocervical junction. Catheter embolization was performed via external carotid artery and finally surgical disconnection was done with far lateral approach (Fig. 1). Postoperative DSA showed no more arteriovenous shunting (Fig. 2). Clinically the patient improved after a course of rehabilitation. Dural AVF at craniocervical junction is rare and its clinical presentation can be highly variable from subarachnoid hemorrhage to brainstem dysfunction. Identification of the exact fistula site is essential in surgical planning. Surgery is effective and safe to achieve complete obliteration and good clinical outcome.1 2 3 4 5 6 The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/xI48stSlWpY.

Commentary: Far Lateral Approach With Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography for Craniocervical Arteriovenous Fistula Obliteration: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

“…3 Dural fistulas at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) are rare with few reports in the literature. [4][5][6] Although data are limited, symptomatic lesions most commonly present with subarachnoid hemorrhage [5][6][7] and can be identified incidentally in the investigation of concomitant vascular pathologies. 8 Treatment options include endovascular therapy, microsurgery, and radiosurgery.…”