Endovascular Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm Associated with a Tentorial DAVF Using Transarterial Onyx Embolization: A Case Report

We describe a patient treated with transarterial Onyx embolization for a tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) who presented with hemifacial spasm (HFS).

A 56-year-old man suffered from right blepharospasm for 4 years, and the symptom gradually spread to the right side of his face with oculo-oral synkinesis. MRI of the brain revealed abnormal multiple flow voids at the surface of brainstem and cerebellar hemisphere. MRA (time of flight) and spoiled gradient recalled echo-revealed abnormal vessels at the posterior fossa indicated arteriovenous shunting. 3D-MRI fusion images showed that a dilated vein was in contact with the root exit zone (REZ) of the right facial nerve. The right carotid angiography displayed a complex tentorial DAVF on the right side. There were multiple feeding vessels drained to the tentorial sinus at the point where the inferior cerebellar vermian vein met, and severe venous congestion was noted. We diagnosed a tentorial DAVF and thought that this was responsible for the right HFS. We used neuroendovascular treatment for this lesion. After transarterial Onyx embolization, his right HFS diminished. MRI after treatment showed that the vein in contact with the REZ of the right facial nerve had shrank.

We experienced a rare case of HFS associated with a DAVF. Our case supports that transarterial Onyx embolization can treat HFS associated with a tentorial DAVF. It is the first description of successful treatment that could be confirmed through postoperative MRI.