Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Endovascular treatment of congenital carotid-cavernous fistulas in infancy
José E Cohen1, John M Gomori, Savvas Grigoriadis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Section of Endovascular Neurosurgery and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Congenital carotid-cavernous fistulas are rare in infants, often affecting cranial sinuses. Endovascular embolization via a trans-arterial route is the preferred treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Congenital dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are uncommon in children, typically involving major venous sinuses.
- Congenital carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) in infants are exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
Observation:
- This review focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of congenital CCFs in the pediatric population.
- The study examines existing literature and presents clinical experience with endovascular treatment modalities.
Findings:
- Endovascular embolization, particularly via the trans-arterial approach, is the current standard of care for congenital CCFs.
- The review highlights the technical aspects and outcomes associated with endovascular management in infants.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt endovascular intervention are crucial for managing congenital CCFs in infants.
- This review contributes to understanding the optimal treatment strategies for this rare pediatric vascular anomaly.
Abstract:
Congenital dural arteriovenous fistulas have been infrequently described in pediatric population and they generally affect the transverse, sigmoid, straight or sagittal sinuses. Congenital carotid-cavernous fistulas in infancy are considered very rare and to our knowledge, only four cases have been reported in literature. Currently, the preferred treatment is endovascular embolization through trans-arterial route. We review the literature on congenital carotid cavernous fistulas in infancy focusing on the endovascular treatment of this rare entity and present our experience.
