A retrospective study of 78 adult tentorial middle line region dural arteriovenous fistulae

Objective: Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) in the tentorial middle line region are uncommon with specific features and more cognitive disorders than any other region. The purpose of this study is to present clinical characteristics and our experience with endovascular treatment in this specific region.

Methods: During a 20-year period, 94.9% of patients (74/78) underwent endovascular treatment (36 in galenic, 48.6%) (12 in straight sinus, 16.2%) (26 in torcular, 35.1%). There were 63 males and 15 females with mean age of 50 (50 ± 12) years in total of 78 patients. The clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment strategy, and clinical outcomes were recorded.

Results: Transarterial embolization (TAE) was performed in 89.2% of the 74 patients (66/74), transvenous embolization alone in one patient and mixed approach in seven. Complete obliteration of the fistulas was obtained in 87.5% of the patients (64/74). 71 patients (mean, 56 months) had phone, outpatient, or admission follow-up. The digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up period (25/78, 32.1%) was 13.8 (6-21) months. Two of them (2/25, 8%) had fistula recurrences after complete embolization and were embolized again. The phone follow-up period (70/78, 89.7%) was 76.6 (40-92.3) months. Pre-embolization and post-embolization mRS ≥ 2 were in 44 patients (44/78) and 15 (15/71) patients, respectively. DAVF with internal cerebral vein drainage (OR 6.514, 95% Cl 1.201-35.317) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR 17.034, 95% Cl 1.122-258.612) during TAE were the risk factors for predicting poor outcomes (followed up mRS ≥ 2).

Conclusions: TAE is the first-line treatment for tentorial middle line region DAVF. When pial feeders' obliteration is difficult to achieve, it should not be forced due to the poor outcomes after intracranial hemorrhage. The cognitive disorders caused by this region were not reversible as reported. It is imperative to enhance the care provided to these patients with cognitive disorders.