Endovascular embolization of recurrent traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas managed previously with detachable balloons.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the causes of recurrent traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas (RTCCFs) after detachable balloon embolization and evaluated the selection of embolic materials for endovascular treatment of the RTCCFs.


METHODS
Over a 10-year period, 116 patients underwent transarterial balloon embolization with occlusion of the fistulas and preservation of the parent arteries. In 15 patients, 18 RTCCFs developed. The causes of RTCCFs included premature balloon deflation and migration (n = 13) or bony fragment puncture of balloons (n = 5). A second or third embolization involved balloons (n = 6), balloons with coils (n = 2), and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate with coils (n = 7), or balloon, coils, and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (n = 3).


RESULTS
In this study, 17 RTCCFs were successfully occluded after repeat embolization with preservation of parent arteries. One case resulted in recurrent epistaxis. The recurrent fistula and parent artery were occluded with balloons. No significant complications or recurrent fistulas occurred after the last embolization (mean follow-up period, 16 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon puncture or premature deflation and migration occasionally cause RTCCFs. Sacrifice of the parent artery rarely is needed. Transarterial embolization remains the best approach, with balloons used first, then coils, N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, or both.
Luo
Chao-Bao
CB
Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. cbluo@vghtpe.gov.tw
Teng
Michael Mu-Huo
MM
Yen
David Hung-Tsang
DH
Chang
Feng-Chi
FC
Lirng
Jiing-Feng
JF
Chang
Cheng-Yen
CY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D021721:Balloon Occlusion / Q000009:adverse effects; D020216:Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / Q000628:therapy*; D004659:Enbucrilate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012008:Recurrence; D019233:Retreatment; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017211:Treatment Failure
D014014:Tissue Adhesives; D004659:Enbucrilate