Radiosurgery for dural arteriovenous malformations

Handb Clin Neurol. 2017:143:125-131. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63640-9.00012-6.

Abstract

Intracranial dural arteriovenous malformations (DAVFs) are relatively uncommon vascular lesions characterized by the direct connection of dural arteries into dural venous sinuses or leptomeningeal veins. Strategies for the treatment of these complex lesions have evolved significantly over the past three decades, and include open surgical disconnection, endovascular embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or a combination of these approaches. Radiosurgical intervention is unique in offering significant benefits to patients while exposing them to few of the risks associated with more invasive interventions. In this chapter we provide an overview of DAVFs and discuss the features of these lesions that affect management. We focus, in particular, on radiosurgical management of these lesions, describing present treatment paradigms, the procedure for the treatment of DAVFs with SRS, and expected clinical outcomes using SRS.

Keywords: Dural Arteriovenous Fistula; Gamma Knife; Stereotactic Radiosurgery; embolization; outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Fistula / radiotherapy*
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / radiotherapy*
  • Cerebral Arteries
  • Cerebral Veins
  • Dura Mater / blood supply*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Humans
  • Radiosurgery*
  • Treatment Outcome