A 66-year-old male with a recent syncope-related fall and closed head injury presented with progressively worsening gait instability, dizziness, and headaches. The fall occurred 1 week before presentation. On examination, no focal neurologic deficits were found. Noncontrast head CT demonstrated a 7 mm right convexity mixed density subdural hematoma [ and ]. Given his significant headaches and progressive functional decline, MMA embolization was performed as primary treatment. Intraprocedural digital subtraction angiogram revealed a right parietal Cognard Grade I DAVF [ and ]. Given the absence of cortical venous reflux and benign natural history of the fistula, the remainder of the procedure did not deviate from routine MMA embolization. The right temporal and right frontoparietal branches of the MMA were embolized with n-BCA glue with indirect penetration of liquid embolic into the fistulous point. Following embolization, there was no further opacification of the fistula. The patient experienced no procedure-related complication and was discharged the subsequent day. At 1-month follow-up, there was complete resolution of his presenting symptoms and surveillance CT demonstrated no residual SDH.
A 77-year-old male with a recent syncope-related fall and closed head injury presented with gradually worsening isolated right upper extremity monoparesis. The fall occurred 1 month before presentation. On examination, the patient demonstrated 4/5 strength in his right upper extremity, with no additional neurologic deficits. Noncontrast head CT demonstrated bilateral mixed density convexity subdural hematomas [22 mm on the left and 14 mm on the right; and ]. The patient underwent a left craniotomy for evacuation of the larger hematoma, in conjunction with bilateral MMA embolization as primary treatment for the right convexity subdural hematoma in addition to limiting potential recurrence along the left convexity. Intraprocedural digital subtraction angiogram revealed two Cognard Grade III DAVFs, one arising from the parietal branch of the right MMA draining into an occipital cortical vein, and the second arising from the temporal branch of the left MMA draining into the vein of Labbe [-]. Given the presence of cortical venous reflux and associated risk of future intracranial hemorrhage, treatment of the fistulae was indicated. This was approached in two staged procedures. Following an uncomplicated left MMA embolization (frontoparietal branch), the incidental findings were discussed with the patient and he underwent a second stage embolization for the DAVF on a later date. During the second stage, a more prolonged infusion of liquid embolic was employed to ensure penetration into the recipient cortical venous outflow, resulting in nonopacification of the aforementioned fistulae. The postoperative course was complicated by seizures which resolved with uptitration in antiepileptic medications. At 6-month follow-up, there was complete resolution of the patient’s presenting symptoms and surveillance CT demonstrated no residual SDH.