Clinical outcomes of adjunct sinus stenting in dural arteriovenous fistulas : Role of flow restoration in steno-occlusion and cortical venous reflux.

Purpose: This study investigated the clinical outcomes and follow-up results of venous sinus stenting (VSS) for constrictive dural sinus restoration in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). We hypothesized that this treatment would have durable benefits in such patients.

Methods: Patients who underwent VSS for DAVFs with cortical venous reflux between January 2008 and June 2020 were identified after a retrospective review (n =18). Clinical and endovascular treatment data and follow-up information were reviewed.

Results: The mean age of the 18 patients was 59.9 years. Stents were implanted in 10 previously occluded sinuses and 9 stenotic sinuses in addition to endovascular embolization. One patient received bilateral VSS. Subdural hemorrhage occurred in one patient after recanalization for embolization, followed by uneventful stenting. In 17 patients with clinical follow-up, the median follow-up time was 59.5 months (interquartile range 18 to 84 months). Of these, sixteen patients had follow-up vascular imaging, revealing AVF obliteration in 6 patients (38%) and stent patency in 11 (69%). Retreatment was performed for 8 (50%) patients. The mean follow-up modified Rankin scale score was 1.28. All patients had longstanding symptomatic improvement.

Conclusion: Restoration of sinus flow in DAVFs with cortical venous reflux through VSS has an acceptable complication rate and long-term symptomatic control; however, retreatment is often required, and stent occlusion is not uncommon.