Endovascular Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Shunts

Abstract

Dural arteriovenous shunts comprise 10% to 15% of intracranial vascular malformations. Their pathophysiology is complex and their natural history has only recently been adequately elucidated. High-grade dural arteriovenous shunts (those with cortical venous reflux) are associated with a 6.9% annual incidence of nonhemorrhagic neurologic complications, a 8.1% annual incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, and a 10.1% annual mortality rate. This article provides an overview of the imaging, workup, and indications and latest techniques for endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous shunts. Treatment efficacy and complication rates are also discussed.