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Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
[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.
Abstract:
We describe a 44-year-old man with a complaint of atonic seizures of the left upper limb, followed by generalized seizures. Brain MRI showed isolated juxtacortical white matter T2 hyperintensity with gadolinium (Gd) enhancement of the adjacent cortical gray matter and subcortical white matter in the right frontal convexity. Treatment with levetiracetam was effective for seizure suppression, and he had no other neurological abnormalities. Human leukocyte antigen typing revealed B54 and Cw1, which indicated the possibility of neuro-Sweet disease. However, a general examination, which included vital signs and eye and skin findings, was normal. A cerebrospinal fluid test showed a mild elevation in protein levels without pleocytosis and a normal range of interleukin-6. Electroencephalography showed intermittent slow waves without epileptic discharge in the bilateral temporal lobes. We detected subtle flow voids in the pia mater of the left frontal lobe, which suggested cerebrovascular disease, and specifically, the possibility of dural arteriovenous fistulas. Computed tomography angiography showed abnormally dilated perimedullary veins in the left frontal lobe. Cerebral angiography confirmed the existence of four dural arteriovenous fistulas, which included two retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainages in the right frontal cortical veins supplied by the anterior branch of the right middle meningeal artery. The other dural arteriovenous fistulas were retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainages in the left frontal cortical veins supplied by the anterior and posterior convexity branches of the left middle meningeal artery. The patient underwent successful endovascular embolization of all dural arteriovenous fistulas with Onyx injection. A follow-up MRI showed gradual improvement of the T2 hyperintensity and Gd enhancement. He remained seizure-free for 2 years following endovascular embolization.
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.
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