Transvenous Embolization of Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistulas: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Lessons Learned

Cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas (CSFVFs) are increasingly recognized as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), a debilitating neurologic condition that may present with postural headaches, hearing loss, and/or cognitive impairment. Curative treatment is available for patients whose fistulas are localized with myelography. Transvenous endovascular embolization has emerged in recent years as a safe, effective, and durable treatment option for patients with CSFVF. Here, we briefly review the clinical presentation of SIH, present diagnostic algorithm by which CSFVFs are identified, and discuss a stepwise treatment paradigm. We then detail endovascular treatment strategies of CSFVF with particular emphasis on direct versus indirect approaches to the fistula, embolization principles, and techniques to minimize complications. With increasing awareness of SIH and enhanced detection of CSFVF, it is important for endovascular neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists to be familiar with transvenous CSFVF embolization strategies to meet the needs of this patient population.