A 60-year-old male experienced one month of escalating bifrontal headaches refractory to analgesics and antibiotics prescribed for presumed sinusitis. The headaches increased during sneezing, bending over, or bedrest and improved when he was sitting or standing. There was no history of trauma. His prior medical history was notable for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. There was no family history of coagulopathy or thrombophilia. He was married, employed, used 0.5 packs of tobacco (7.5 packs/years), consumed alcohol socially, and did not use any illicit drugs. His vital signs were notable for sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 39 and elevated BP of 184/86 mmHg. He had no other significant findings on physical examination; detailed neurologic examination was unremarkable. Routine admission laboratory studies were within normal limits. Coagulation studies including platelet function assays were normal.\nNoncontrasted head CT demonstrated a 19 mm left isodense SDH with 10 mm of midline shift []. The collection was more prominent in the frontal region. A CT angiogram was obtained prior to surgery, and no source of bleeding was identified. He underwent a mini-craniotomy; and repeat CT imaging after the procedure [] demonstrated excellent hematoma evacuation and brain reexpansion.\nA scheduled follow up head CT obtained on postoperative day 27 was notable for recurrent SDH with a frontal predilection \n[]. The appearance and location were similar to the initial presentation. He was readmitted to the hospital and underwent SDH drainage via burr hole. On subsequent imaging with MRI, MR angiography, and MR venography, a filling defect was visible in the distal left transverse sinus and no flow was observed in the distal left sigmoid sinus or internal jugular vein. These findings were confirmed on CT venography.\nPatient underwent cerebral angiography on postoperative day 7 after SDH evacuation []. Left carotid injection was notable for a prominent left vein of Labbe with delayed wash-out, a filling defect in the left transverse sinus, and retrograde flow in the left transverse sinus with subsequent drainage into the right transverse sinus. Transvenous catheterization confirmed retrograde drainage of the left transverse sinus and venous stasis in the left vein of Labbe. Manometric readings in the left sigmoid sinus and both transverse sinuses were elevated (18-25 mmHg range). Thrombectomy with the Penumbra device and venoplasty with 7 × 20 mm balloon were performed; 10 mg of systemic abciximab was administered. Follow up venography demonstrated improved flow in the left vein of Labbe, restored normal direction of flow in the sinuses with normalized pressure (11 mmHg) in the left transverse sinus. Daily aspirin (325 mg) was initiated on the day of this intervention; patient was discharged home without neurologic deficits. A follow-up CT venogram at 6 weeks demonstrated patent venous sinuses and no recurrence of his SDH. His 3 month clinical outcome was excellent (modified Rankin score 0).
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.