[Dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas: clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapeutic intervention].

BACKGROUND

Carotid cavernous fistulas are cerebral artenovenous shunts which may present with ocular or orbital signs. Direct fistulas are distinguished from dural shunts with respect to the anatomical situation.

PATIENTS

We report on two patients with spontaneous dural carotid cavernous fistulas with multiple feeding vessels. Both patients required endovascular embolization.

RESULTS

Therapy was successful in both patients. We present an overview of the clinical picture, the diagnostic procedure, the differential diagnosis and the therapeutic possibilities in this clinical entity.

CONCLUSION

Both patients prove the importance of an immediate differential diagnostical classification so that a specific neuroradiological diagnostic can be ensured. Today's advanced endovascular technology offers therapeutic options with less risk for the patient than in recent years.