Objective: Intracranial intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are mainly treated with an endovascular approach and various embolic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Onyx embolization in the treatment of DAVFs and characterize the factors as sociated with complete obliteration.
Methods: This retrospective study was based on 62 patients with DAVFs who underwent endovascular treatment with Onyx alone or in combination with coils at our institution. Clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed.
Results: A total of 62 patients with 64 DAVFs were treated with endovascular embolization. The most common primary symptom was ophthalmological signs with a rate of 37.1%. Cognard type III was the most commonly seen subtype (32.8%). The immediate complete occlusion and follow-up rate was 92.2% and 93.5%, respectively. Transvenous balloon-assisted sinus protection was used in 12 patients (18.8%). The pressure cooker technique was used in eight patients (12.5%). Complications were seen in five patients including intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 2), venous thrombotic events (n = 2), and glued microcatheter (n = 1).
Conclusions: Endovascular Onyx alone or in combination with coils embolization is a safe and effective therapy for DAVFs. Favorable angiographic and clinical outcomes can be achieved using different endovascular approaches. Transvenous balloon-assisted sinus protection and the pressure cooker technique may help achieve complete occlusion of DAVFs.
Keywords: Endovascular management; Onyx; dural arteriovenous fistulas.