Clinical syndromes of arteriovenous malformations of the transverse-sigmoid sinus

Arteriovenous malformations or fistulae shunting arterial blood from branches of the external and internal carotid and vertebral arteries into the transverse-sigmoid sinus may produce different clinical syndromes. The literature is reviewed with 96 patients including six personal cases. Usually these malformations have a congenital origin and only in 4% of the series was there a previous history of a severe head injury. Clinical groups are defined and the role of angiography assessed. Direct surgical approach with occlusion or removal of the vascular malformation is the treatment of choice. Possible methods of treatment by selective embolization are discussed.