[Endovascular neurointervention for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula]

Dural arteriovenous fistula(DAVF) is an abnormal shunt within the dura matter or near the venous sinuses. Various congenital and idiopathic causes have been suggested, including such as venous sinus occlusion, trauma, surgery, and changes in hormone levels, but the exact etiology of the disease is unknown. The pattern of venous drainage seen on angiography was used as the basis for a classification of DAVF by Djindjian. Recent classification suggests that lesions that drain into the venous sinus or meningeal vein will behave only in a benign manner, whereas those that have subarachnoid venous drainage or alone or in addition will behave aggressively. Selection of treatment can be made from observation, carotid manual compression, transarterial or transvenous embolization, radiotherapy, or surgical intervention. The goal of treatment and consequently the techniques used, depends on the intensity of symptoms or the neurologic and, in particular, hemorrhagic risk posed by the type of venous drainage. The therapeutic decision depends also on the patient's general clinical status. Embolization can create a reduction of flow, which results in disappearance in symptoms and sometimes complete cure as seen at angiography. Complex DAVF must be treated with combined endovascular techniques plus neurosurgery or radiotherapy.