Stereotactic radiosurgery guidelines for the management of patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Treatment options for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have expanded with the application of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Our objective was to provide guidelines about the use of SRS in symptomatic patients with imaging-identified DAVFs of the brain. The authors reviewed evidence-based medicine and clinical experience with radiosurgery for DAVFs of the brain and developed guidelines and provided a scientific foundation for patients and physicians. Major recommendations include the definition of DAVF patients suitable for various management strategies ranging from observation to surgical excision to endovascular embolization and SRS. Combined SRS and embolization is an effective management strategy for DAVFs, including those that have recurred after initial embolization. The effect of prior embolization has been evaluated. SRS before embolization facilitates the better recognition of the entire target. For selected DAVF patients who are not eligible for embolization or surgery, SRS alone is an effective treatment option. The dose range for DAVFs is similar to that of arteriovenous malformations. A clinical algorithm for the potential role of SRS for a symptomatic brain DAVF was defined. These guidelines provide a framework for professional judgment and treatment selection alternatives for the management of DAVFs.