Dural sinus malformation presenting with seizure and treated by combined arterial and venous embolization

A newborn with a prenatal diagnosis of dural sinus malformation, which was confirmed by an MRI ([Figure 1]). He was followed and at the first seizure (third month), a CT angiography was performed, which showed a partial thrombosis and an increase of the mass effects ([Figure 2]).

Figure 1 (A) Axial T2 weighted MRI of the brain showing the flow inside the dural venous malformation (black asterisk) and posteriorly of it, an area of partial thrombosis (white asterisk). A peripheral venous vascular malformation, commonly associated to the dural venous malformation, is indicated with the white arrow. (B) Coronal 3D MR angiogram after contrast injection showing the superior sagittal sinus malformation.

Figure 2 Axial (A) and sagittal (B) contrast enhanced CT angiography showing the extension of thrombosis (white asterisks) and the mass effect in the posterior sagittal sinus malformation (black asterisks). Note the communication between the straight sinus and the posterior superior sagittal sinus and the vein of Galen (black arrow). The anterior superior sagittal (white arrow) and inferior sagital sinus (large white arrow) are preserved.

We performed three endovascular procedures (one per week) combining arterial and venous embolization, without complications ([Figures 3] and [4]). The patient was discharged without deficits.

Figure 3 Lateral view of early (A) and late phase (B) occipital selective artery angiography showing a high flow dural arteriovenous fistula fed by meningeal branches from the occipital artery and feeding the superior sagittal sinus malformation (white asterisk). Note the dilated vein of Galen (black arrow) associated with deep venous hypertension and the superior sagittal sinus malformation (white asterisk).

Figure 4 Lateral view final cast (A) of combining arterial and venous with liquid embolic and coil embolization filling the superior sagittal sinus malformation (white asterisk) and late phase of internal carotid digital angiography (B) after the endovascular embolization in the superior sagittal showing the lateral sinus (SL), the superior sagittal sinus (white arrows) and the internal cerebral vein (large white arrow) demonstrating that there was an improvement of the deep venous congestion.

A dural sinus malformation is a serious condition that can evolve into seizures and hemorrhage. It is characterized by a giant dural sinus lake associated with slow flow arteriovenous fistulae[1],[2],[3].

Conflict of interest:

There is no conflict of interest to declare.

• References

• 1 Lasjaunias P, Magufis G, Goulao A, Piske R, Suthipongchai S, Rodesch R et al. Anatomical aspects of dural arteriovenous shunts in children. Intervent Neuroradiol. 1996;2(3):179-91.
• 2 Benoit Jenny, et al. Giant dural venous sinus ectasia in neonates Report of 4 cases. J Neurosurg Pediatrics. 2010;5(5):523-8.
• 3 Rossi A, De Biasio P, Scarso E, Gandolfo C, Pavanello M, Morana G et al. Prenatal MR imaging of dural sinus malformation: a case report. Prenat Diagn. 2006;26(1):11-6. https://doi.org/10.1002/pd.1347

Publication History

Received: 19 October 2015

Accepted: 31 March 2017

Article published online:
05 September 2023