Interventional Neuroradiology at Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute

Featured Cases

Carotid-Cavernus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Cured With Embolization

This patient presented with double vision, a “whooshing” sound in the right side of her head, and a right eye that was progressively bulging out and turning red. Frontal view, unsubtracted, showing the orientation and magnification of the next, subtracted image.

Subtraction angiogram showing xray dye injected into the right external carotid artery passing through an indirect (dural) carotid-cavernous fistula into the deep venous structures behind the eyes.

A microcatheter was used to embolize the fistula by packing soft metal coils into the part of the cavernous sinus receiving the short-circuit of blood flow. The coils are seen as the dark area just medial to the patient’s right orbit.

The “whooshing” noise, redness and bulging of the eye resolved immediately. The double vision also resolved after a few weeks.