Retrospective study on the endovascular embolization for traumatic carotid cavernous fistula.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively analyze 95 cases of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula treated by endovascular embolization.


METHODS
From January 1994 to December 2008, 95 patients with traumatic carotid cavernous fistula were treated in our hospital. All patients received selective cerebral angiography through femoral artery catheterization. Accordingly, 89 cases were treated by detachable balloon embolization, 5 by platinum microcoils and 1 by covered-stent, respectively.


RESULTS
In the study, 61 cases achieved successful balloon embolization at the first time. Fifty-six cases had multiple balloons due to the big fistula. Nine cases received balloon embolization twice. But among the 5 patients treated with platinum microcoils, one developed slight brainstem ischemia. After operation the patient had hemiparesis and swallow difficulty, but gradually recovered 3 months later. No neurological deficits were observed in other cases. All the cases recovered. Eighty-five cases were followed up for 1-15 years and no recurrence was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The endovascular embolization for traumatic carotid cavernous fistula is minimally invasive, safe, effective and reliable. The detachable balloon embolization is the first choice in the treatment of TCCF.
Chen
Li-zhao
LZ
Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. chenlizhao1971@163.com
Xu
Min-hui
MH
Yang
Dong-hong
DH
Zou
Yong-wen
YW
Zhang
Yun-dong
YD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D021721:Balloon Occlusion / Q000379:methods*; D020216:Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents