Clinical presentation and surgical management of intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. E12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. Lu ◽  
Michael T. Lawton
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Satisfactory Outcome ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss

Object Intramedullary cavernous malformation (CM) is a rare entity, accounting for 5% of all intraspinal lesions. The objective in this study was to define the clinical characteristics of this disease, detail the surgical approach and technique, and present the clinical outcome. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed in 22 patients with histologically confirmed CMs. The authors used a laminectomy approach for midline dorsal lesions, with unilateral radical facetectomy and dentate ligament resection for laterally or ventrally located lesions. Patient profiles, operative indications, surgical approaches, operative findings, complications, and long-term follow-up were reviewed. Results The average age of patients in the cohort was 43 ± 14 years, the average duration of symptoms was 7 ± 7 months, and the average follow-up was 6 ± 4 years. The average size of the lesion was 1 ± 0.4 cm, the average surgical time was 4 ± 0.96 hours, and the average estimated blood loss was 350 ± 131 ml. The rate of complication was 5% (1 patient; due to a wound infection). According to the McCormick classification, the score for the cohort was 1.8 ± 1.2 preoperatively, 2.1 ± 1.2 postoperatively, and 1.3 ± 0.65 at late follow-up. (All preceding values are given as the mean ± SD.) There was a significant neurological improvement at follow-up compared with the preoperative state (p < 0.05). The majority of patients (50%) had a stable outcome compared with their preoperative state, with a large proportion (41%) having an improved outcome. A minority of patients (9%) had a worsened outcome due to dysesthetic pain. Patients with dysesthesia had a longer duration of clinical symptoms prior to surgery compared with patients without dysesthesia (p < 0.05). Conclusions The authors demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and durability of their surgical approach for resection of spinal intramedullary CM. Proper examination, preoperative imaging, and prompt surgical intervention were necessary for a satisfactory outcome.

Clinical Outcome following a Modified Approach for Psoas Lengthening for Coxa Saltans in Adults

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Komarasamy ◽  
R. Vadivelu ◽  
C.J. Kershaw
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Psoas Muscle ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Musculotendinous Junction ◽  
Internal Iliac ◽  
Lateral Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Hip Flexion

Internal snapping often resolves with conservative treatment but persistent significant symptoms may require surgical treatment. Different surgical approaches have been suggested in the literature with varying results. We describe a modified surgical approach for internal snapping of hip in adults with good results. Patients who failed conservative treatment for internal snapping over 11/2 years were included. A skin crease incision was made just lateral to the ASIS in supine position. The psoas tendon was reached sub-periosteally along the internal iliac surface and a hole was made in periosteum. Then the tendon was hooked into the wound and divided releasing its musculotendinous junction. The patients were allowed to mobilise as able in the postoperative period. There were 8 snapping hips (7 patients, 6 females) with average age of 30 years (17–51 yrs). The mean follow-up was 11 months. The average duration of symptoms before operation was 4.5 years (range 2–10 years). Painful symptomatic clicking was relieved in all patients. Two patients felt slight weakness of hip flexion. One patient had temporary neuropraxia of lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh. The diagnosis is made by ultrasound or examination for a palpable click. Surgical correction of snapping is considered after failure of conservative treatment. Different extrapelvic (medial and iliofemoral) and intrapelvic extraperitoneal approaches have been described with varying results. With our slightly modified intrapelvic and subperiosteal approach through oblique inguinal incision in adults, psoas muscle release at musculotendinous junction seems a safe and effective method and could be used as an alternative surgical approach for treatment of internal snapping of hip in adults.

scholarly journals The 6 thalamic regions: surgical approaches to thalamic cavernous malformations, operative results, and clinical outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 676-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Rangel-Castilla ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Common Location ◽  
Orbitozygomatic Approach ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
The Ideal

OBJECT The ideal surgical approach to thalamic cavernous malformations (CMs) varies according to their location within the thalamus. To standardize surgical approaches, the authors have divided the thalamus into 6 different regions and matched them with the corresponding surgical approach. METHODS The regions were defined as Region 1 (anteroinferior), Region 2 (medial), Region 3 (lateral), Region 4 (posterosuperior), Region 5 (lateral posteroinferior), and Region 6 (medial posteroinferior). The senior author’s surgical experience with 46 thalamic CMs was reviewed according to this classification. An orbitozygomatic approach was used for Region 1; anterior ipsilateral transcallosal for Region 2; anterior contralateral transcallosal for Region 3; posterior transcallosal for Region 4; parietooccipital transventricularfor Region 5; and supracerebellar-infratentorial for Region 6. RESULTS Region 3 was the most common location (17 [37%]). There were 5 CMs in Region 1 (11%), 9 in Region 2 (20%), 17 in Region 3 (37%), 3 in Region 4 (6%), 4 in Region 5 (9%), and 8 in Region 6 (17%). Complete resection was achieved in all patients except for 2, who required a second-stage operation. The mean follow-up period was 1.7 years (range 6 months-9 years). At the last clinical follow-up, 40 patients (87%) had an excellent or good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores 0–2) and 6 (13%) had poor outcome (mRS scores 3–4). Relative to their preoperative condition, 42 patients (91%) were unchanged or improved, and 4 (9%) were worse. CONCLUSIONS The authors have presented the largest series reported to date of surgically treated thalamic CMs, achieving excellent results using this methodology. In the authors’ experience, conceptually dividing the thalamus into 6 different regions aids in the selection of the ideal surgical approach fora specific region.

Surgical approaches and long-term outcomes of intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations: a single-center consecutive series of 219 patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Ren ◽  
Tao Hong ◽  
Chuan He ◽  
Xiaoyu Li ◽  
Yongjie Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Surgical Strategies

OBJECTIVEOptimal surgical strategies for intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations (ISCCMs) are not optimized and remain problematic. In this study the authors identify rational surgical strategies for ISCCMs and predictors of outcomes after resection.METHODSA single-center study was performed with 219 consecutive surgically treated patients who presented from 2002 to 2017 and were analyzed retrospectively. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale was used to evaluate neurological functions. Patient characteristics, surgical approaches, and immediate and long-term postoperative outcomes were identified.RESULTSThe average ISCCM size was 10.5 mm. The spinal level affected was cervical in 24.8% of patients, thoracic in 73.4%, and lumbar in 1.8%. The locations of the lesions in the horizontal plane were 30.4% ventral, 41.6% dorsal, and 28.0% central. Of the 214 patients included in the cohort for operative evaluation, 62.6% had superficially located lesions, while 37.4% were embedded. Gross-total resection was achieved in 98.1% of patients. The immediate postoperative neurological condition worsened in 10.3% of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified mild preoperative function (p = 0.014, odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–14.8) and thoracolumbar-level lesions (p = 0.01, OR 15.7, 95% CI 1.9–130.2) as independent predictors of worsening. The mean follow-up duration in 187 patients was 45.9 months. Of these patients, 63.1% were stable, 33.2% improved, and 3.7% worsened. Favorable outcomes were observed in 86.1% of patients during long-term follow-up and were significantly associated with preoperative mild neurological and disability status (p = 0.000) and cervically located lesions (p = 0.009). The depths of the lesions were associated with worse long-term outcomes (p = 0.001), and performing myelotomy directly through a yellowish abnormal surface in moderate-depth lesions was an independent predictor of worsening (p = 0.023, OR 35.3, 95% CI 1.6–756.3).CONCLUSIONSResection performed with an individualized surgical approach remains the primary therapeutic option in ISCCMs. Performing surgery in patients with mild symptoms at the thoracolumbar level and embedded located lesions requires more discretion.

Prognostic factors for the outcome of surgical and conservative treatment of symptomatic spinal cord cavernous malformations: a review of a series of 20 patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. E13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Jakob Steiger ◽  
Bernd Turowski ◽  
Daniel Hänggi
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Satisfactory Outcome ◽  
History Of

Object In this study, the authors present a review of a series of 20 intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations (SCCMs) with particular focus on MR imaging and prognostic factors. Methods Between 1994 and 2009, 20 patients with SCCM were treated under the care of the senior author. The diagnosis was made in all patients after the onset of clinical symptoms. The age of the 9 men and 11 women ranged between 26 and 71 years (median 38.5 years). The duration of symptoms prior to referral ranged from 1 week to 9 years (median 6.5 months). At the time of referral, 4 patients had no significant neurological deficits, 10 patients suffered significant functional restrictions, and 6 patients presented with severe paraparesis and loss of functional strength. None of the patients had complete paraplegia. Seventeen patients underwent microsurgical removal, while 3 patients opted for conservative therapy. For the present analysis, the medical records and MR images and/or reports were reviewed. Classification of length of history, pretreatment status, MR imaging pattern, and treatment modality was done and correlated with outcome. Results The cavernoma was located at the cervical level in 8 patients and between T-1 and L-1 in 12 patients. The cavernoma appeared as mainly T2 hyperintense on MR images in 7 patients, mainly T2 hypointense in 2 patients, and mixed in the remaining 10 patients. The craniocaudal extension of the core varied between 5 and 45 mm. In 2 patients with cervical cavernomas, a distinct T2 signal of the spinal cord cranial and distal to the cavernoma was seen, and in a patient with a large thoracic cavernoma, T2 extinction cranial and caudal to the cavernoma was seen as a sign of hemosiderosis. Neurological deficits improved postoperatively in 12 of the surgically treated patients, remained stable in 2, and deteriorated in 3. The 3 patients who were conservatively treated remained stable over a follow-up of 3–9 years. Postoperative improvement was seen in 5 of 7 surgical patients with a history of symptoms of 2 months or less, 5 of 6 patients with a history of 2–24 months, and in 2 of 4 patients with a history of more than 2 years. Two of the 3 patients with postoperative deterioration had a history of more than 2 years and the third a short history of 1 month. Conclusions Although a satisfactory outcome can be achieved through surgical treatment of SCCMs, some patients worsen after surgery or during the postoperative course. Long-term stability is possible in oligosymptomatic conservatively treated patients. The prevalence and pathophysiological importance of segmental spinal cord edema and hemosiderosis is incompletely understood at the present time.

A new strategic neurosurgical planning tool for brainstem cavernous malformations using interactive computer graphics with multimodal fusion images

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taichi Kin ◽  
Hirofumi Nakatomi ◽  
Masaaki Shojima ◽  
Minoru Tanaka ◽  
Kenji Ino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Graphics ◽  
Computer Graphic ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Surface Rendering ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Interactive Computer Graphics ◽  
2D Imaging ◽  
Brainstem Cavernous Malformation

Object In this study, the authors used preoperative simulation employing 3D computer graphics (interactive computer graphics) to fuse all imaging data for brainstem cavernous malformations. The authors evaluated whether interactive computer graphics or 2D imaging correlated better with the actual operative field, particularly in identifying a developmental venous anomaly (DVA). Methods The study population consisted of 10 patients scheduled for surgical treatment of brainstem cavernous malformations. Data from preoperative imaging (MRI, CT, and 3D rotational angiography) were automatically fused using a normalized mutual information method, and then reconstructed by a hybrid method combining surface rendering and volume rendering methods. With surface rendering, multimodality and multithreshold techniques for 1 tissue were applied. The completed interactive computer graphics were used for simulation of surgical approaches and assumed surgical fields. Preoperative diagnostic rates for a DVA associated with brainstem cavernous malformation were compared between conventional 2D imaging and interactive computer graphics employing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results The time required for reconstruction of 3D images was 3–6 hours for interactive computer graphics. Observation in interactive mode required approximately 15 minutes. Detailed anatomical information for operative procedures, from the craniotomy to microsurgical operations, could be visualized and simulated three-dimensionally as 1 computer graphic using interactive computer graphics. Virtual surgical views were consistent with actual operative views. This technique was very useful for examining various surgical approaches. Mean (± SEM) area under the ROC curve for rate of DVA diagnosis was significantly better for interactive computer graphics (1.000 ± 0.000) than for 2D imaging (0.766 ± 0.091; p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). Conclusions The authors report a new method for automatic registration of preoperative imaging data from CT, MRI, and 3D rotational angiography for reconstruction into 1 computer graphic. The diagnostic rate of DVA associated with brainstem cavernous malformation was significantly better using interactive computer graphics than with 2D images. Interactive computer graphics was also useful in helping to plan the surgical access corridor.

scholarly journals Spinal intramedullary cavernomas. Personal experience reffering to six cases

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Iacob ◽  
Angela Olarescu
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Excellent Outcome ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Microsurgical Techniques

Abstract Despite cavernous malformations of the CNS are pathologically similar, intramedullary cavernous malformations are very rare lesions, increasingly recognized after introduction of magnetic resonance image, generating gradual neurological decline, with severe deficits or acute loss of spinal function. We report our experience on six patients with intramedullary cavernomas defining the spectrum of presenting symptoms and signs analyzing the role of surgery as a treatment for these lesions. We present our experience with 2 cervical and 4 thoracal spinal intramedullary cavernoma from 2010 to 2014 searching history, onset of clinical manifestation, neurological status, radiological findings, operation, and clinical outcome. Among 6 patients male were 2 cases; female 4 cases; mean age was 42 years (range 25-72 years); mean duration of symptoms were 1,5 years (range 5 days and 2 years) with slowly progressive neurological decline. In two cases there was acute onset of neurological compromise. In all cases diagnosis was made on MRI and lesions were possible to be radically excised and gently extracted from the hemosiderin-stained bed inside of the spinal cord via a laminectomy and midline myelotomy with microsurgical techniques. The surgical outcome on a mean duration of follow up of 12 months were: for 4 cases - the patients neurological conditions remarkably improved 1 month later, for 2 cases no improvement were remarked. No recurrent hemorrhages were recorded. A follow-up MRI examination was made in all cases to confirm complete removal of the cavernous angioma. Spinal intramedullary cavernoma should be early recognized by MRI, can be positioned in a precarious position and generate significant neurologic deficits than cranial cavernomas. For symptomatic intramedullary cavernous malformations extended to the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, total resection with microsurgical techniques can offer good or excellent outcome, restoring neurological status and to stop chronic deterioration and acute rebleeding. To asymptomatic patients with deeper lesions which entail a higher operative risk, but also a surgically manageable cause of myelopathy a closed observation is mandatory.

scholarly journals Surgical Treatment of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations with Three Basic Skull Base Approaches and Minimally Invasive Techniques: Observations in 20 Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
Wen Yin ◽  
Jianrong Ma ◽  
Yiwei Liao
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Cavernous Malformation ◽  
Minimally Invasive Techniques ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Bleeding Episodes ◽  
Surgical Treatments ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Objective Brainstem cavernous malformation (BSCM) is extremely challenging for neurosurgeons in terms of surgical approach choices. In this article, we summarized our experience in skull base approaches of BSCM, and elucidated the advance of surgical treatments of brain stem cavernous malformation through reviewing recent relevant articles. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 20 consecutive patients who underwent resection between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2016. Only midline suboccipital, subtemporal approach and retrosigmoid approach were used in this series. The diagnoses of all patients were confirmed by radiological and histological examination. Results All 20 patients were completely extirpated without surgical-related mortality. The mean follow-up period was 9.5 months (range, 2-20 months). Of the 20 patients, 80% symptomatic patients underwent surgery after first bleeding episode within 3 months, 20% after two or more bleeding episodes by magnetic resonance imaging. After resection and during follow-up, 75% of patients had an improvement in their modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores, whereas 10% were worse compared with their preoperative presentation; 15% were unchanged. Conclusion Appropriate basic surgical approach and minimally invasive techniques are necessary in preventing impairment of neurologic function. The three common basic skull base approaches, combined with minimally invasive techniques can handle most of BSCMs with good surgical results.

Clinical presentation, natural history and outcomes of intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 695-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anshit Goyal ◽  
Lorenzo Rinaldo ◽  
Redab Alkhataybeh ◽  
Panagiotis Kerezoudis ◽  
Mohammed Ali Alvi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThere is a paucity of literature investigating the clinical course of patients with spinal intramedullary cavernous malformations (ISCMs). We present a large case series of ISCMs to describe clinical presentation, natural history and outcomes of both surgical and conservative management.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients diagnosed with ISCMs at our institution between 1995 and 2016. Haemorrhage was defined as clinical worsening in tandem with imaging changes visualised on follow-up MRI. Outcomes assessed included neurological status and annual haemorrhage rates.ResultsA total of 107 patients met inclusion criteria. Follow-up data were available for 85 patients. While 21 (24.7%) patients underwent immediate surgical resection, 64 (75.3%) were initially managed conservatively. Among this latter group, 16 (25.0%) suffered a haemorrhage during follow-up and 11 (17.2%) required surgical resection due to interval bleeding or neurological worsening. The overall annual risk of haemorrhage was 5.5% per person year. The rate among patients who were symptomatic and asymptomatic on presentation was 9.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Median time to haemorrhage was 2.3 years (0.1–12.3). Univariate analysis identified higher ISCM size (p=0.024), history of prior haemorrhage (p=0.013) and presence of symptoms (p=0.003) as risk factors for subsequent haemorrhage. Multivariable proportional hazards analysis revealed presence of symptoms to be independently associated with haemorrhage during follow-up (HR 9.39, CI 1.86 to 170.8, p=0.013).ConclusionLarge, symptomatic ISCMs appear to be at increased risk for subsequent haemorrhage. Surgery may be considered in such lesions to prevent rebleeding and subsequent neurological worsening.

Comparative analysis of cranial vault remodeling versus endoscopic suturectomy in the treatment of unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-112
Author(s):  
Abbas Rattani ◽  
Coleman P. Riordan ◽  
John G. Meara ◽  
Mark R. Proctor
Keyword(s):  
Head Circumference ◽  
Cranial Vault ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Cranial Growth ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
Lambdoid Synostosis ◽  
Cranial Vault Remodeling

OBJECTIVEUnilateral lambdoid synostosis is the premature fusion of a lambdoid suture or sutures and represents the least common form of craniosynostosis, occurring in 1 in 40,000 births. Cranial vault remodeling (CVR) and endoscopic suturectomy with helmet therapy (ES) are surgical approaches that are used to allow for normal brain growth and improved craniofacial symmetry. The authors conducted a comparative outcomes analysis of patients with lambdoid synostosis undergoing either CVR or ES.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective consecutive cohort study of patients with nonsyndromic lambdoid synostosis who underwent surgical correction identified from a single-institution database of patients with craniosynostosis seen between 2000 and 2018. Cranial growth was measured in head circumference percentile and z score.RESULTSNineteen patients (8 female and 11 male) with isolated unilateral lambdoid synostosis were identified (8 right and 11 left). Six underwent CVR and 13 underwent ES. No statistically significant differences were noted between surgical groups with respect to suture laterality, the patient’s sex, and length of follow-up. Patients treated with ES presented and underwent surgery at a younger age than those treated with CVR (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Operating and anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, and ICU and total hospital days were significantly lower in ES (all p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in pre- and postoperative head circumference percentiles or z scores between groups up to 36 months postoperatively. No patients required reoperation as of last follow-up.CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic management of lambdoid synostosis is safe, efficient, and efficacious in terms of intraoperative and long-term cranial growth outcomes when compared to CVR. The authors recommend this minimally invasive approach as an option for correction of lambdoid synostosis in patients presenting early in their course.

Gamma Knife surgery for the management of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas

2006 ◽  
Vol 105 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-Mei Wu ◽  
David Hung-Chi Pan ◽  
Wen-Yuh Chung ◽  
Wan-Yuo Guo ◽  
Kang-Du Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Cortical Vein ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

ObjectThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for the treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSDAVFs) and other intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (ODAVFs).MethodsAmong the 238 GKS procedures performed for intracranial DAVFs in the authors' institute, 227 cases (146 CSDAVFs and 81 OIDAVFs) with clinical follow up formed the database from which the authors determined clinical outcome and the incidence of untoward events. One hundred ninety-five cases (118 CSDAVFs and 77 ODAVFs) with imaging follow up formed the database from which the authors determined the imaging results.Older age, female sex, higher incidence of diabetes, and shorter duration of symptoms were noted more in cases of CSDAVF than in ODAVFs. Most patients had symptomatic improvement after GKS. A symptomatic cure was observed in one patient with CSDAVFs as early as 6 weeks. The cumulative cure rate based on follow-up angiography of CSDAVFs approached 75% at 24 months, which was much better than that of ODAVFs (approximately 50% at 24 months). A neuroimaging-based cure lagged behind that of the clinical symptoms. Overall, there were only two nonfatal intracerebral hemorrhages during the follow-up period, both occurring less than 1 week after GKS and both being Cognard Type IIa+b with initial aggressive symptoms. Transient deterioration of neurological status without hemorrhage was noted in six patients with ODAVFs. Thrombosis of the superior ophthalmic vein occurred in 11 patients with CSDAVFs, in two of whom there were unilateral visual impairments. There were three cranial nerve neuropathies: transient in one CSDAVF and one ODAVF involving the jugular foramen, and another one was a CSDAVF previously treated by conventional radiotherapy.Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery provides a safe and effective option for treatment of intracranial DAVFs with a low risk of complications. In cases of DAVFs with benign clinical presentation, GKS can serve as a primary treatment. In some cases of aggressive DAVFs in which there is extensive retrograde cortical vein drainage, combined treatment with embolization or surgery is suggested.

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