title: Management of dural arteriovenous malformations of the anterior cranial fossa.
abstract: Eight patients with dural arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) of the anterior cranial fossa are presented, and the pertinent literature is reviewed. Unlike cases of dural AVM's in other locations, sudden massive intracerebral hemorrhage was the most frequent reason for presentation. Other symptoms included tinnitus, retro-orbital headache, and a generalized seizure. The malformations were supplied consistently by the anterior ethmoidal artery, usually in combination with other less prominent feeding vessels. The lesion's venous drainage was through the superior sagittal sinus via a cortical vein; in addition, in two cases a subfrontal vein drained the AVM. A venous aneurysm was encountered near the site of anastomosis with the dural feeder in most cases, and was found in all patients who presented with hemorrhage. The AVM was obliterated surgically in six patients, with favorable results achieved in five. One patient died postoperatively from a pulmonary complication. Because of their anatomy and proclivity for hemorrhage, these vascular malformations represent a unique group of dural AVM's. Surgical management of anterior fossa dural AVM's carries low morbidity, and is indicated when the lesions have caused hemorrhage or when there is an associated venous aneurysm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nutik
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Spetzler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed