Transarterial and transvenous pial arteriovenous Fistula embolization: A video case report

Cerebral pial arteriovenous fistulas (pAVFs) are rare and complex high-flow vascular malformations found in pediatric and adolescent populations. ¹ They are often divided into two groups based on the pattern of venous drainage, galenic or nongalenic. Nongalenic pAVFs are typically supratentorial and carry a high risk of rupture. Their angioarchitecture is very complex with various patterns of feeding arteries and draining veins not originating from dural vessels or the vein of Galen. ² The natural history has not been well established; however, mortality estimates range as high 63%. ¹ Presentations include hemorrhage, seizure, congestive heart failure, and elevated intracranial pressure. ³ We describe the case of an adolescent girl with acute onset of headaches that led to the discovery of an occipital, nongalenic pAVF. Transarterial and transvenous embolizations performed during a single procedure resulted in complete obliteration of the fistula. No complications arose, and the patient remained at her neurological baseline.