Diagnosis and treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are abnormal vascular connections located within the dura mater which are thought to be promoted by venous hypertension and venous sinus thrombosis. The symptoms associated with DAVFs depend on the direction and adequacy of venous drainage pathways, the amount of arteriovenous shunting and specific location of the fistula. Our experience over a period of eight years with 268 patients suffering from cranial DAVFs in the transverse, sigmoid, superior sagittal, ethmoidal, inferior and superior petrosal, cavernous, and marginal sinuses are presented. The clinical presentation, radiographic evaluation, and treatment modalities for DAVFs in each of these locations are summarized.