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Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF)
What is an arteriovenous fistula (DAVF)?
An arteriovenous fistula, or DAVF, is an abnormal connection of vessels in the tissues around the brain or spinal cord in which one or more arteries are directly connected to one or more veins or venous spaces called sinuses. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the tissues, and veins take blood back from the tissues to the heart. In a DAVF, there is a direct connection between one or more arteries and veins or sinuses which gives rise to many problems. DAVFs differ from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in that AVMs are found within the tissue of the brain or spinal cord, but DAVFs are found in the coverings of the brain or spinal cord, such as the dura mater or arachnoid. The most serious problem associated with DAVFs is that they transfer high-pressure arterial blood into the veins or venous sinuses that drain blood from the brain or spinal cord. This results in an increase in the pressure of the venous system around the brain or spinal cord.
Symptoms of arteriovenous fistula (DAVF)
There are two major types of AVFs: dural AVFs and carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). These are acquired lesions, which means that patients are not born with them, but instead develop them later in life. They can be a result of infection or traumatic injuries, but most develop without any specific precipitating event. Patients with dural AVFs typically present with a rumbling noise in one ear that follows the heartbeat, which is called a bruit. Patients with CCFs typically present with swelling and redness of one or both eyes in addition to a bruit.
Diagnosis of arteriovenous fistula (DAVF)
Currently, we attempt whenever possible to close the DAVFs before the increased pressure in the venous system causes irreversible damage to the brain or spinal cord. We typically find the DAVF when we obtain an angiogram. An angiogram (also called an arteriogram) is a special test in which a neuroradiologist injects dye into the blood vessels in the brain and obtains images of the blood vessels. At this point, the angiogram is the test that most accurately shows the DAVF and its relationship to the surrounding arteries and veins. In the case of most DAVFs, the CT and MRI scans are often read as normal.
Treatment of arteriovenous fistula (DAVF)
At Johns Hopkins, we treat DAVFs using a combination of two methods, depending on the type of DAVF:
- Minimally invasive endovascular embolization — typically sufficient to cure the majority of DAVFs. During this procedure, we pass a catheter through the groin up into the arteries in the brain that lead to the DAVF and inject liquid embolic agents such as NBCA, glue or Onyx into these arteries. This injection shuts off that artery and reduces the flow of blood through the DAVF.
- Microsurgical resection — reserved for DAVFs that cannot be closed with endovascular embolization. During microsurgical resection, we perform a craniotomy and using the microscope isolate the DAVF from the tissues around the brain or spinal cord.
The cerebrovascular team at Johns Hopkins evaluates each DAVF patient to decide the best treatment for the patient's specific DAVF. In special cases, we will opt to use both techniques in combination.
For more information, contact the Johns Hopkins Cerebrovascular Center at 410-955-2228.
Request an Appointment
To request an appointment or refer a patient, please call:
Adult Neurology: 410-955-9441
Pediatric Neurology: 410-955-4259
Adult Neurosurgery: 410-955-6406
Pediatric Neurosurgery: 410-955-7337
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