Endovascular Management of Deep Arteriovenous Malformations

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A.C. Mendes ◽  
Eduardo Pedrolo Silveira ◽  
François Caire ◽  
Marie-Paule Boncoeur Martel ◽  
Suzana Saleme ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: The management of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the basal ganglia, insula, and thalamus is demanding for all treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE: To define safety and outcomes of embolization used as a stand-alone therapy for deep-seated AVMs. METHODS: A cohort of 22 patients with AVMs located in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and insula who underwent embolization between January 2008 and December 2013. RESULTS: Eighteen of 22 (82%) patients had anatomic exclusion. The mean size was 2.98 ± 1.28 cm, and the mean number of sessions was 2.1 per patient. Most patients presented with hemorrhage (82%, n = 18), and 3 (14%) patients were in a deteriorated neurological status (modified Rankin Scale >2) at presentation. Sixty-eight percent of ruptured AVMs had size ⩽3 cm. A single transarterial approach was performed in 9 (41%) cases, double catheterization was used in 4 (18%), and the transvenous approach was required in 8 (36%) cases. Procedure-related complications were registered in 3 (14%) cases. One death was associated with treatment, and complementary radiosurgery was required in 2 (9%) patients. CONCLUSION: Embolization therapy appears to be safe and potentially curative for certain deep AVMs. Our results demonstrate a high percentage of anatomic obliteration with rates of complications that may approach radiosurgery profile. In particular, embolization as stand-alone therapy is most suitable to deep AVMs with small nidus size (⩽3 cm) and/or associated with single venous drainage in which microsurgery might not be indicated.

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 458-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A.C. Mendes ◽  
Christina Iosif ◽  
Eduardo Pedrolo Silveira ◽  
Eduardo Waihrich ◽  
Suzana Saleme ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Transvenous embolization is a developing concept for curative therapy of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The feasibility of this endovascular method has not been reported in children. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience treating pediatric AVMs with the transvenous approach (TVA). METHODS: A cohort of 7 pediatric patients (younger than 18 years of age) who underwent the TVA for cerebral AVMs between January 2012 and January 2014. The TVA was used alone or in conjunction with other arterial approaches in definitive embolization sessions. Patient demographics, AVM characteristics, clinical outcomes, and angiographic results were independently assessed. Pial arteriovenous fistulae and vein of Galen malformations were excluded. Control angiograms were obtained at 6 months, and curative treatment was determined by the anatomic obliteration of the nidus. RESULTS: All patients had anatomic exclusion of the AVM. The mean size was 2 ± 0.6 cm, and hemorrhage was the most common presentation (100%, n = 7). Most AVMs were deeply placed (71%, n = 5), and a proximal approach to the nidus was achieved in all cases. Transvenous embolization alone was performed in 3 patients (43%), whereas combined arterial and venous embolization was required in 4 patients (57%). The mean follow-up period was 20.2 ± 10.5 months. There were no hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events, and venous infarction was not documented. No recurrence was documented. CONCLUSION: This is the first report that demonstrates the feasibility of transvenous Onyx embolization of AVMs in the pediatric population. Such a technique may be considered in certain AVMs that meet anatomic criteria in which microsurgery and radiosurgery might not be indicated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-131
Author(s):  
Ching-Jen Chen ◽  
Kathryn N. Kearns ◽  
Dale Ding ◽  
Hideyuki Kano ◽  
David Mathieu ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEArteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the basal ganglia (BG) and thalamus are associated with elevated risks of both hemorrhage if left untreated and neurological morbidity after resection. Therefore, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a mainstay in the management of these lesions, although its safety and efficacy remain incompletely understood. The aim of this retrospective multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes of SRS for BG and thalamic AVMs and determine predictors of successful endpoints and adverse radiation effects.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed data on patients with BG or thalamic AVMs who had undergone SRS at eight institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) from 1987 to 2014. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-SRS hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RICs). Multivariable models were developed to identify independent predictors of outcome.RESULTSThe study cohort comprised 363 patients with BG or thalamic AVMs. The mean AVM volume and SRS margin dose were 3.8 cm3 and 20.7 Gy, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 86.5 months. Favorable outcome was achieved in 58.5% of patients, including obliteration in 64.8%, with rates of post-SRS hemorrhage and permanent RIC in 11.3% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. Independent predictors of favorable outcome were no prior AVM embolization (p = 0.011), a higher margin dose (p = 0.008), and fewer isocenters (p = 0.044).CONCLUSIONSSRS is the preferred intervention for the majority of BG and thalamic AVMs. Patients with morphologically compact AVMs that have not been previously embolized are more likely to have a favorable outcome, which may be related to the use of a higher margin dose.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1458-1471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gábor Nagy ◽  
Ottó Major ◽  
Jeremy G. Rowe ◽  
Matthias W.R. Radatz ◽  
Timothy J. Hodgson ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Radiosurgery is widely used to treat deep eloquent arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how anatomic location, AVM size, and treatment parameters define outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 356 thalamic/basal ganglia and 160 brainstem AVMs treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. RESULTS: Median volume was 2 cm3 (range, 0.02–50) for supratentorial and 0.5 cm3 (range, 0.01–40) for brainstem AVMs; the marginal treatment doses were 17.5 to 25 Gy. After single treatment, obliteration was achieved in 65% of the brainstem, in 69% of the supratentorial, and 40% of the peritectal AVMs. Obliteration of lesions <4 cm3 was better in the brainstem (70%) and in the supratentorium (80%), but not in the peritectal region (40%). Complications were rare (6%–15%) and mild (⩽modified Rankin scale [MRS] 2). Rebleed rate increased with size, but was not higher than before treatment. AVMs >4 cm3 in the brainstem were treated with unacceptable morbidity and low cure rate. Obliteration of large supratentorial AVMs was 65% to 47% with more complications ≥MRS3. Repeat radiosurgical treatment led to obliteration in 66% of the cases with minor morbidity. CONCLUSION: Deep eloquent AVMs <4 cm3 can be treated safely and effectively with radiosurgery. Obliteration of peritectal AVMs is significantly lower after a single treatment. However, morbidity is low, and repeat treatment leads to good obliteration. Radiosurgical treatment >4 cm3 in the brainstem is not recommended. Supratentorial deep AVMs >8 cm3 can be treated with radiosurgery with higher risk and lower obliteration rate. However, these lesions are difficult to treat with other treatment modalities, and a 50% success rate makes radiosurgery a good alternative even in this challenging group.


2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 899-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Hsiao Cheng ◽  
R. Webster Crowley ◽  
Chun-Po Yen ◽  
David Schlesinger ◽  
Mark E. Shaffrey ◽  
...  

Object Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has emerged as the treatment of choice for small- to medium-sized cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in deep locations. The present study aims to investigate the outcomes of GKS for AVMs in the basal ganglia and thalamus. Methods Between 1989 and 2007, 85 patients with AVMs in the basal ganglia and 97 in the thalamus underwent GKS and were followed up for more than 2 years. The nidus volumes ranged from 0.1 to 29.4 cm3 (mean 3.4 cm3). The mean margin dose at the initial GKS was 21.3 Gy (range 10–28 Gy). Thirty-six patients underwent repeat GKS for residual AVMs at a median 4 years after initial GKS. The mean margin dose at repeat GKS was 21.1 Gy (range 7.5–27 Gy). Results Following a single GKS, total obliteration of the nidus was confirmed on angiograms in 91 patients (50%). In 12 patients (6.6%) a subtotal obliteration was achieved. No flow voids were observed on MR imaging in 14 patients (7.7%). Following single or repeat GKS, total obliteration was angiographically confirmed in 106 patients (58.2%) and subtotal obliteration in 8 patients (4.4%). No flow voids on MR imaging were observed in 18 patients (9.9%). The overall obliteration rates following one or multiple GKSs based on MR imaging or angiography was 68%. A small nidus volume, high margin dose, low number of isocenters, and no history of embolization were significantly associated with an increased rate of obliteration. Twenty-one patients experienced 25 episodes of hemorrhage in 850 risk-years following GKS, yielding an annual hemorrhage rate of 2.9%. Four patients died in this series: 2 due to complications of hemorrhage and 2 due to unrelated diseases. Permanent neurological deficits caused by radiation were noted in 9 patients (4.9%). Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery offers a reasonable chance of obliterating basal ganglia and thalamic AVMs and does so with a low risk of complications. It is an optimal treatment option in patients for whom the anticipated risk of microsurgery is too high.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 219-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus-Peter Stein ◽  
Isabel Wanke ◽  
Michael Forsting ◽  
Neriman Oezkan ◽  
Bernd-Otto Huetter ◽  
...  

Background: The natural history and treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is the object of ongoing debates and discussions. To capture the entirety of these complex lesions, associated vascular pathologies, such as associated aneurysms (AAs), have to be implemented in future risk stratification models, as they are believed to represent additional risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage. The present study aims to determine AA characteristics in posterior fossa AVMs and to compare with AAs accompanying supratentorial AVMs, with special focus on aneurysm size. Methods: Patients with cerebral AVMs, treated in our department between 1990 and 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. Only patients with flow-related AAs of the feeding arteries were evaluated. Thus, patients harboring intranidal, venous or remote aneurysms were excluded. Results: Of 485 patients with cerebral AVM, 76 patients harbored an AVM of the posterior fossa. Among those, 22 individuals exhibited a total of 35 AAs (n = 8 patients with multiple AAs). Most common location of AAs was the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 20, 57%) and mean AA diameter was 7.9 mm (SD 5.5). In the subgroup of patients with a single AA, mean aneurysm size in posterior fossa AVMs was with 7.8 mm (SD 6.0; range 2-25 mm) significantly larger than the mean size of AAs with supratentorial AVMs (4.8 mm, SD 3.0; range 2-20 mm; p = 0.048). Intracranial hemorrhage was found in 18 of 22 patients (82%) with infratentorial AVMs, and of these, 11 patients suffered from aneurysm rupture. In 14 patients bearing a single AA, 8 (57%) had sustained hemorrhage from aneurysm rupture. The mean diameter of AAs was as supposed in the ruptured group with 9.8 mm (SD 6.9; range 4-25 mm) significantly larger than in the unruptured AA group exhibiting a mean of 5.0 mm (SD 3.3; range 2-10 mm; p = 0.038). Patients with posterior fossa AVMs and AAs were significantly older as compared to those patients with supratentorial lesions (57.1, SD 12.6 vs. 45.8 years, SD 15.9 years; p = 0.004), which was also evident in the subgroup of patients with single AAs (55.2, SD 11.7 vs. 45.8 years, SD 14.9 years; p = 0.038). Conclusions: AAs of posterior fossa AVMs are larger in diameter than aneurysms accompanying supratentorial AVMs. AA size influences risk for hemorrhage, which, together with the high number of hemorrhagic events in posterior fossa AVMs, justifies treating these pathologies. The higher age of patients with AVMs of the posterior fossa might be one reason for larger AAs in this cohort, when compared to patients with supratentorial AVMs and AAs.


Author(s):  
Giancarlo Saal Zapata ◽  
Giancarlo Saal‐Zapata ◽  
Aaron Rodriguez‐Calienes ◽  
Rodolfo Rodriguez‐Varela

Introduction : Transvenous embolization (TVE) is used in cases of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with specific characteristics such as small size (<3 cm), deep location, single draining vein and the absence of adequate feeders. High complete obliteration rates have been reported. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze our initial experience using the TVE for treatment of AVMs. Methods : Between May 2018 and January 2021, consecutive patients who underwent TVE of AVMs were selected. Demographics, radiological and clinical variables were collected. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to determine clinical outcomes and was dichotomized (good clinical condition: mRS £2; poor clinical condition: mRS >2). Complete obliteration was defined as the total absence of the nidus and vein, subtotal obliteration was defined as the embolization of >95% of nidus and partial obliteration was defined as the embolization of <95% of nidus. Procedure‐related complications were defined as those that occurred during the procedure and were divided as intraoperative rupture and thrombosis. Results : Twenty‐one patients harboring 21 AVMs were evaluated. Fourteen patients (67%) were women. The mean age was 24.5 ± 14.1 years (7 – 48 years). A good preoperative clinical condition was present in 20 patients. Twenty AVMs were ruptured (95.2%). The most frequent locations were thalamus/basal ganglia in 6 patients (29%), followed by temporal/insular in 5 patients (24%). Spetzler‐Martin grades III, II and I were present in 11, 9 and 1 patients, respectively. The mean number of feeders was 2.1 per AVM. The feeders arised from the MCA in 9 cases, followed by PCA in 5 cases, ACA and AChoA in 3 cases, AICA in 2 cases, and ECA and PCom in 1 case, respectively. The mean number of veins was 1.3 per AVM. Deep venous drainage was present in 12 cases (57%). The mean size of the AVM nidus was 15.7 ± 7.8 mm (3.7 – 34 mm). Previous trans‐arterial embolization was done in 10 patients (47.6%). Pre‐embolization hematoma evacuation was done in 4 patients (19%). An immediate complete obliteration was achieved in 18 patients (85.7%), whereas a subtotal and partial obliteration were achieved in 2 and 1 patients, respectively. A poor post‐operative clinical condition occurred in 4 patients (20%). Procedure‐related complications occurred in 4 patients (20%): 3 cases with intra‐operative rupture of the AVM nidus and 1 case of a thrombus in the M1 treated with stent retriever. Mortality occurred in 3 patients (14.2%) of which two presented intra‐operative rupture with intracerebral hematomas that required decompressive craniectomy. One patient presented a post‐operative bleeding of the AVM nidus that required external ventricular drainage and decompressive craniectomy. Follow‐up angiography was done in 4 cases with total obliteration of all the cases (100%). Conclusions : The transvenous approach has emerged as an alternative to trans‐arterial approach with high grades of immediate total obliteration rates, but with potential procedure‐related complications. Thus, this technique should be used in selected cases in order to achieve complete cure rates.


2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ONS63-ONS68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward A.M. Duckworth ◽  
Bradley Gross ◽  
H. Hunt Batjer

Abstract Deep Arteriovenous Malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus have an aggressive natural history and present a therapeutic challenge. More often than not, these lesions are deemed “inoperable” and are treated expectantly or with stereotactic radiosurgery. In some cases, clinical details combined with an opportune route of access dictate surgical resection. History of hemorrhage, small lesion size, and deep venous drainage each add to the aggressive natural history of these malformations. Interestingly, these same factors can point toward surgery. We present a discussion of the microsurgical techniques involved in managing these lesions, with an emphasis on situations that allow these lesions to be approached surgically.


1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hunt Batjer ◽  
Duke Samson

✓ Only about 5% of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) are located predominantly within the ventricular system. Between July, 1981, and February, 1986, 15 patients were treated at the authors' institution for AVM's within the ventricular trigone. The mean age of this patient population was 24 years, and two-thirds were female. Intracranial hemorrhage was by far the most frequent presenting symptom and intraventricular hemorrhage occurred in 11 cases, with multiple episodes being documented in five. Arterial supply of the malformations was quite uniform, with the lateral posterior choroidal or posterior temporal branch of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) being the most frequent source. Venous drainage was similarly stereotypic, with predominant outflow into the galenic system in all but one patient. An interhemispheric surgical approach was used in eight patients, a middle or inferior temporal gyrus incision was performed in six, and a subtemporal route was chosen in a single patient. Operative results suggest that these lesions can be removed with reasonable safety. An interhemispheric approach is recommended if the nidus projects medially from the trigone and is observed medial to the P2-P3 junction of the PCA on angiography. A middle temporal gyrus approach is suggested if the nidus is lateral to the P2-P3 junction, even when the lesion is located in the dominant hemisphere. A subtemporal approach should be reserved for inferiorly projecting AVM's with cortical representation on the fusiform or parahippocampal gyrus in the nondominant hemisphere.


2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 1088-1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabih Aboukaïs ◽  
Matthieu Vinchon ◽  
Mathilde Quidet ◽  
Philippe Bourgeois ◽  
Xavier Leclerc ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are often obliterated after emergency microsurgical treatment. However, some studies have reported AVM recurrence after the obliteration of ruptured AVMs. The authors report their experience with AVM recurrence after successful microsurgical treatment of ruptured AVMs. METHODS The authors reviewed the medical data of 139 consecutive patients who underwent microsurgery at the authors' institution for ruptured AVM between 2002 and 2012. Each patient underwent a conventional cerebral angiography examination immediately after the surgery. Subsequent follow-ups were performed with MR angiography after 6 months, and, if there was no indication of AVM recurrence, patients were followed up with conventional cerebral angiography between 1 and 2 years after the treatment; pediatric patients were followed up until age 18 years. Recurrence was defined as new radiological evidence of an AVM at the site of a ruptured AVM or a new hemorrhage in patients with angiographically documented AVM obliteration on postoperative angiograms. RESULTS The mean age of the patients at the time of ruptured AVM diagnosis was 30.8 years (SD ± 5, range 4–69 years), and 44 of the patients were younger than 18 years (the mean age at diagnosis in this pediatric subgroup was 11.4 years [range 4–17.9 years]). Complete AVM obliteration after the initial microsurgery was observed in 123 patients (89.5%). Reappearance of an AVM was noted in 7 patients between 12 and 42 months after the treatment, and all of these patients were younger than 18 years. The recurrent AVM was located in an eloquent zone in 4 patients, and deep venous drainage was noted in 3 patients. Radiosurgery was performed in 6 of these patients, and 1 patient underwent another microsurgical procedure. The authors noted only one rebleeding due to an AVM recurrence during the latency period after radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS The recurrence of an AVM is fairly rare and affects mostly pediatric patients. Therefore, especially in children, long-term angiographic follow-up is required to detect AVM recurrence or an AVM remnant. The authors stress the need for discussion involving a multidisciplinary neurosurgical team to decide on treatment in cases of any AVM recurrence or remnant.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myung Ki Kim ◽  
Jae Hyung You ◽  
Young Gon Kim

Introduction: We describe laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with renal stone extraction using a stone basket under flexible ureteroscopy. We describe its efficacy through a laparoscopic port and a ureterotomy site in patients with large upper ureteral stone and small renal stones.Methods: Between January 2009 and February 2012, we performed laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with renal stone extraction using a stone basket under flexible ureteroscopy in 11 patients who had upper ureteral and renal stones. The retroperitoneal approaches were used in all patients using 3-4 trocars.Results: All procedures were performed successfully without significant complications. Mean operative time was 78.5 minutes (range: 52-114 minutes). The mean size of ureteral stone was 19.91 mm (range: 15-25 mm). In addition, 25 renal stones (mean size 7.48 mm, range: 2-12 mm) were removed from 11 patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.5 days (range: 2-6 days).Conclusions: Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with renal stone extraction using a stone basket under flexible ureteroscopy can be considered one of treatment modalities for patients with large upper ureteral stones accompanied by renal stones who are indicated in laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.


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