Dilated MMA sign in cDAVF and other arterial feeders on 3D TOF MRA

Background Among the varied causes of pulsatile tinnitus, the condition that can cause severe mortality and morbidity is a cranial dural arteriovenous fistula (cDAVF). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the dilated middle meningeal artery on three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in cranial dural arteriovenous fistula and to identify other feeders that can aid in the detection of these lesions. Method Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography data of all patients with cranial dural arteriovenous fistula treated in a single tertiary referral center between 2007–2020 were included. The middle meningeal artery and other feeders recorded from digital subtraction angiography were assessed on magnetic resonance angiography. Results The overall agreement between readers in identifying the dilated middle meningeal artery was substantial (κ = 0.878, 95% confidence interval: 0.775–0.982). The dilated middle meningeal artery indicated the presence of a cranial dural arteriovenous fistula with a sensitivity of 79.49% (95% confidence interval: 66.81–92.16), specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval: 100.00–100.00), and negative predictive value of 94.56% (95% confidence interval: 90.89–98.02). An area under the curve of 0.8341 was observed for the ipsilateral middle meningeal artery, with a sensitivity of 92.2% and a specificity of 75.0% at a cut-off of 0.30 mm for identifying a cranial dural arteriovenous fistula. Of 73 other feeders, the occipital, meningohypophyseal trunk, ascending pharyngeal, and posterior meningeal arteries contributed to a large proportion visualized on magnetic resonance angiography (83.6% (41/49)). Conclusion The dilated middle meningeal artery sign is useful for identifying a cranial dural arteriovenous fistula. Dilatation of the occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries and meningohypophyseal trunk should be assessed to facilitate the detection of a cranial dural arteriovenous fistula, particularly in the transverse-sigmoid and petrous regions.

Herniated Proximal Marker of the Stent into the Meningohypophyseal Trunk after Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for Intracranial Aneurysms

The SolitaireTM AB Neurovascular Remodeling Device (ev3, Irvine, CA, USA) is used to retain coils within an aneurysm, reducing the risk of embolic complications from coil herniation into the parent artery. Stents are deployed after confirming the optimal position of the stent markers across the aneurysm to avoid entry into perforators or branching arteries. Stent marker position is very important to prevent perforating or branching artery infarction. We performed stent-assisted coil embolization using the Solitaire AB stent to treat 2 aneurysms simultaneously. After successful coil embolization, we detached the Solitaire stent in the usual manner. However, the proximal stent marker, which was located at the horizontal segment of the cavernous internal carotid artery, moved into the meningohypophyseal trunk and occluded it. Although the distal markers were positioned optimally, we did not expect the proximal marker to be in the position where it was located. Fortunately, cranial nerve dysfunctions and pituitary deficiency did not develop. It is important to prevent ischemic injury by occlusion of the perforators or branching vessels that can be caused by malpositioned stent markers. We consider where the proximal marker of the stent might be located after detachment.

Microsurgical anatomy of the arterial compartment of the cavernous sinus: analysis of 24 cavernous sinus

The cavernous sinus is a complex compartment situated in both sides of the sella turcica, being its microsurgical anatomy knowledge of fundamental importance when consider to approach surgically. We studied the arterial microanatomy of 24 cavernous sinus at the microsurgical laboratory, considering that in all the internal carotid artery were filled with colored latex. The meningohypophyseal trunk was present in 18 cases (75%) with its origin in intracavernous portion of the internal carotid artery. In relation to the 18 presented cases with meningohypophyseal trunk, 14 (77.7%) had a trifurcate and 4 (23.3%) had a bifurcate pattern. The tentorial artery was present in all. Its origin was observed, arising from the meningohypophyseal trunk in 17 (70.8%) and as an isolated artery in some extension of the intracavernous portion in 7 (29.1%). An accessory tentorial artery was found in one specimen. The dorsal meningeal artery was present in 22 cases (91.6%). Its origin was in the meningohypophyseal trunk in 17 cases (77.2%), arising from internal carotid artery in 4 cases (18.1%) and from inferior hypophyseal artery in one case (4.1%).The inferior hypophyseal artery was present in all cases, having its origin at the meningohypophyseal trunk in 16 cases (66.6%). In the remaining 8 cases (33.3%) the artery was found arising alone from the intracavernous portion also. The artery of the inferior cavernous sinus or inferolateral trunk was present in all cases and had its origin from internal carotid artery in its intracavernous segment. The McConnell's artery was not found in any cavernous sinus.

Pre-Operative Angiography and Embolisation of Petroclival Meningiomas

We reviewed our experience of 15 patients with petroclival meningiomas who underwent pre-operative angiography, 11 of whom were embolised in the same session. We analysed our cases to evaluate the variations in vascular supply to these tumours, their potential for embolisation, and the techniques used for their devascularization; as well as associated MRI findings. The petroclival region is vascularised by the basal tentorial arcade. Petroclival meningiomas derive their blood supply from the ICA and ECA branches which form this network, and may also parasitize supply from the vertebrobasilar system. ICA (meningohypophyseal trunk) supply was present in all our patients, and 93% also had ECA contributions (basal tentorial branches of the middle and accessory meningeal arteries, the ascending pharyngeal artery, the artery of foramen rotundum and transmastoid branches of the occipital artery). 47% had pial supply from the vertebrobasilar system. The ECA supply was partly or completely embolised in each of the 11 patients, and the meningohypophyseal contribution in one; there were no complications. Pre-operative angiographic assessment of patients with petroclival meningiomas provides important information for determining the surgical approach, and when combined with embolisation may facilitate a more complete resection of these surgically challenging lesions.

Multiple Unusual Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformation in a Single Patient: A Case Report

A patient with multiple unusual aneurysms and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is presented. Aneurysms involving the meningohypophyseal trunk and the feeding vessel of the AVM were observed. Two additional aneurysms assumed a pantaloon appearance. The largest aneurysm was responsible for the patient's subarachnoid hemorrhage. This aneurysm and two adjacent aneurysms were clipped successfully, and the patient made an uneventful recovery. Subsequent angiography revealed a stable appearance of the remaining aneurysms and AVM. (Neurosurgery 17:97-100, 1985)

Persistent trigeminal artery: its relationship to the normal branches of the cavernous carotid

✓ The authors report a detailed study of an autopsy specimen indicating that the meningohypophyseal trunk and a persistent trigeminal artery apparently exist independently and have separate origins.