Occipital dural fistula presenting with hydrocephalus: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an abnormal vascular communication between branches of dural arteries and dural veins or venous sinuses. These fistulas are associated with hydrocephalus in 35% of cases in the pediatric population. However, the presence of hydrocephalus in adults is rare in DAVF. We presented a case report of DAFV accompany by hydrocephalus and was managed with endovascular therapy. Case presentation: A 15-year-old school girl presented with nausea and vomiting for two weeks. She had spastic paraparesis and cognitive impairment. Her mother had a history of cerebral arteriovenous malformation that was associated with hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging was further examined and revealed dilation of both lateral ventricular and hyperintensity on the periventricular area. Diagnostic angiography was performed which showed the presence of a dural fistula between occipital sinus and multi-side of Galen vein. Embolization with onyx was performed successfully. Conclusion: DAVF in our case was a rare condition with an atypical localization. Further study will be needed to describe this rare entity and to establish its true prevalence.