Long-term results in direct carotid-cavernous fistulas after treatment with detachable balloons

Transarterial embolization of direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) using detachable balloons is the best initial option for occlusion of the fistula and preservation of the internal carotid artery. However, the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment is unknown. The authors reviewed the long-term outcome of 87 patients with 88 direct CCFs occluded by detachable balloons. Clinical follow up was obtained in 48 (83%) of 58 patients treated with latex balloons ( mean follow-up period 10 years, range 5.9-15.5 years) and 28 (97%) of 29 patients treated with silicone balloons (mean followup period 4 years, range 1-6.6 years). Two patients were treated with both balloon types. There were no late recurrent symptoms of cranial bruit, proptosis, chemosis, or arterialized conjunctiva in patients treated with either latex or silicone balloons. Diplopia improved in all patients; however, five patients required shortening of the lateral rectus muscle. Delayed ischemia occurred in three patients: one patient had a transient ischemic episode 5 years after treatment with latex balloons and two patients (85 and 90 years old) who had ruptured spontaneous intracavernous aneurysms suffered cerebral infarctions 6 weeks and 4 months, respectively, after treatment with silicone balloons. There were five deaths in the series unrelated to balloon treatment. These results show that after transarterial embolization of direct CCFs using either silicone or latex detachable balloons, the long-term risks are low for fistula recurrence, symptomatic foreign body reaction, symptomatic pseudoaneurysm formation, and cerebral ischemia.