[Multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas showing isolated subcortical white matter T2 hyperintensity with gadolinium

Hitoshi Hayashida1, Katsuhisa Masaki1, Hidenori Ogata1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University.

Insights

A case study details a 44-year-old man with seizures successfully treated by embolizing dural arteriovenous fistulas. This cerebrovascular intervention resolved his neurological symptoms, highlighting a novel treatment approach for complex seizure disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are abnormal connections between dura mater arteries and veins.
  • They can present with diverse neurological symptoms, including seizures, due to altered cerebral blood flow and venous pressure.
  • Juxtacortical white matter lesions and adjacent cortical enhancement on MRI can be indicative of underlying vascular pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of a patient presenting with seizures secondary to dural arteriovenous fistulas.
  • To illustrate the diagnostic process involving advanced neuroimaging techniques.
  • To demonstrate the efficacy of endovascular embolization in treating dAVFs causing neurological deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed clinical presentation and neurological examination.
  • Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with and without gadolinium (Gd) contrast.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and electroencephalography (EEG).
  • Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) and Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) for vascular assessment.
  • Endovascular embolization using Onyx as a treatment modality.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with atonic and generalized seizures, with MRI revealing juxtacortical white matter T2 hyperintensity and Gd enhancement.
  • Cerebral angiography confirmed four dural arteriovenous fistulas with retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage.
  • Successful endovascular embolization of all dAVFs was achieved.
  • Follow-up MRI showed resolution of lesions, and the patient remained seizure-free for two years.

Conclusions:

  • Dural arteriovenous fistulas can manifest as seizures and associated white matter changes.
  • Advanced angiography is crucial for diagnosing complex dAVFs.
  • Endovascular embolization offers a highly effective treatment for dAVF-induced seizures, leading to long-term seizure freedom and radiological improvement.