Embolization of carotid cavernous fistulas via the superior ophthalmic vein.
BACKGROUND
Carotid cavernous fistulae are treatable by various means, one of which is embolization via the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). The use of this technique over the past 12 years at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia, is reviewed.


METHODS
Five patients with carotid cavernous fistulas were treated with embolization of the fistula via the surgically isolated SOV.


RESULTS
Each patient had successful endovascular closure of the fistula using embolization via the SOV approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of certain types of carotid cavernous fistulas that cannot be closed by the conventional endovascular (arterial and venous) approaches can be successfully closed by using a transvenous approach through the SOV.
Gioulekas
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Mitchell
P
P
Tress
B
B
McNab
A A
AA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods*; D002426:Cavernous Sinus; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005123:Eye / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014680:Veins; D014792:Visual Acuity