Emergent Hybrid Treatment of a Ruptured Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula with Eyelid involvement: Technical Note
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Updated: Nov 9, 2025
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Juan Felipe Abaunza-Camacho1, David Vergara-Garcia1, Francisco Perez1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Research and Training in Neurosurgery (CIEN), Rosario University School of Medicine, Samaritan University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia.
Background:
Scalp arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are a rare vascular disease usually presenting as a progressively increasing pulsating mass in the scalp. These lesions can be associated with mild to severe complications, including congestive heart failure. If ruptures, this pathology constitutes a life-threatening medical emergency because of its potential to cause severe bleeding and acute anemia.
Methods:
We describe the case of a young woman with a ruptured Yokouchi type C scalp AVF with eyelid involvement.
Results:
The patient presented with hypovolemic shock and acute anemia due to severe bleeding from the lesion. Emergent treatment through a combined endovascular and open surgical approach was required to stop bleeding and stabilize the patient.
Conclusions:
Emergent and effective treatment is required to stop bleeding when a scalp AVF ruptures. A combination of endovascular embolization and microsurgical excision of the shunt is a treatment option.
