28 October 2013
: Case report
Dural arteriovenous fistula discovered in patient presenting with recent head trauma
Mistake in diagnosis, Patient complains / malpractice, Rare disease
Chad J. CooperABCDEF, Sarmad SaidCDEF, Angelica NunezDEF, Raphael QuansahDEF, Sayeed KhalillullahDEF, German T. HernandezDEFDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.889610
Am J Case Rep 2013; 14:444-448
Abstract
Background: A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), is an abnormal direct connection (fistula) between a meningeal artery and a meningeal vein or dural venous sinus. The pathogenesis of DAVF still remains unclear. Sinus thrombosis, head trauma, chronic central nervous system, hypercoagulable state, surgery, and hormonal influence are the predisposing factors that initiate this disease. The symptoms experienced by the patient will depend on the location of the fistula.
Case Report: Thirty-two year old Hispanic male who presented one day after a rear ended motor vehicle collision (MVC) with a severe throbbing headache in the left parietal region, left eye redness but no retro-orbital pain and tinnitus in the left ear. He was initially misdiagnosed to have a carotid-cavernous fistula but upon cerebral angiogram was actually diagnosed with a dural arterio-venous fistula in the posterior fossa venous system followed by successful embolization of the fistula.
Conclusions: A cerebral angiography is the gold standard for detection and characterization of a DAVF and will distinguish it from a CCF. Endovascular surgery involves a catheter-based technique for embolization of the lumen of arteries feeding the DAVF, or directly into the vein draining the DAVF. It is very important to recognize the typical findings of patients presenting with a DAVF then quickly proceeding with a cerebral angiogram to determine the exact location of the fistula and the appropriate treatment plan. By diagnosing and treating a DAVF as early as possible, the associated fatal complications can be averted.
Keywords: Motor vehicle collison, trauma, endovascular embolization, dural arteriovenous fistula, Cerebral Angiography
In Press
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945747
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945539
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945795
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946588
Most Viewed Current Articles
21 Jun 2024 : Case report
88,518
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
50,005
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
20 Nov 2023 : Case report
25,154
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.941424
Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e941424
18 Feb 2024 : Case report
22,640
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943030
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943030