Transvenous embolization via the facial vein for intraorbital dural arteriovenous fistula: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Intraorbital arteriovenous fistula (IOAVF) is a rare type of intracranial fistula that presents with ocular signs similar to those of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. The treatment of IOAVF is based on the vascular architecture of each case due to its infrequent occurrence. The authors report the case of an IOAVF that was successfully treated with embolization via the facial vein, with good outcomes. OBSERVATIONS: A 78-year-old woman presented with left eyelid swelling, pulsatile ocular protrusion, and left ocular conjunctival hyperemia. Ophthalmological evaluation revealed elevated intraocular pressure; time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography revealed a dilated left superior ophthalmic vein. Digital subtraction angiography showed an arteriovenous shunt in the left superior orbital fissure, which was treated using transvenous coil embolization. The patient experienced immediate improvement in left ocular protrusion and conjunctival hyperemia. Ophthalmological evaluation 1 month after treatment showed normal intraocular pressure in the left eye. No neurological symptoms were observed, and there was no recurrence of the arteriovenous shunt 3 months postoperatively. LESSONS: The authors report a rare case of IOAVF treated with embolization via the facial vein with a good outcome. A thorough understanding of the vascular architecture using three-dimensional images is useful for determining endovascular access and procedures.