Imaging diagnosis of dural and direct cavernous carotid fistulae.
Arteriovenous fistulae of the cavernous sinus are rare and difficult to diagnose. They are classified into dural cavernous sinus fistulae or direct carotid-cavernous fistulae. Despite the similarity of symptoms between both types, a precise diagnosis is essential since the treatment is specific for each type of fistula. Imaging findings are remarkably similar in both dural cavernous sinus fistulae and carotid-cavernous fistulae, but it is possible to differentiate one type from the other. Amongst the available imaging methods (Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography), angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae. The present essay is aimed at didactically presenting the classification and imaging findings of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae.
Masters, Physicians Assistants, Unit of Interventional Radiology and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Daniela
D
Dos Santos
Fellow PhD degree, Physician Assistant, Unit of Interventional Radiology and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Lucas Moretti
LM
Monsignore
Masters, Physicians Assistants, Unit of Interventional Radiology and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Guilherme Seizem
GS
Nakiri
Full Professor, Teacher at Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery - Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Antonio Augusto Velasco E
AA
Cruz
Full Professor, Teacher at Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy - Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Benedicto Oscar
BO
Colli
Professor Responsible for the Unit of Interventional Radiology and Therapeutic Neuroradiology - Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Daniel Giansante
DG
Abud
Angiography; Arteriovenous fistula; Cavernous sinus; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Ultrasonography