The Anterior Condylar Arteriovenous Fistula from the Viewpoint of the Osseous Venous Anatomy

Abstract

The anterior condylar arteriovenous fistula (AC-AVF) is a relatively rare AVF that affects the vasculatures adjacent to the hypoglossal canal. We aimed to discuss the etiology and definition of the AC-AVF from the viewpoint of the osseous venous anatomy. Our recent study, which used modern imaging technology (CT digital subtraction venography and cone beam CT reconstructed from 3D rotational angiography), elucidated the intraosseous venous anatomy in this region and the precise fistulous locations of AC-AVFs. Those findings suggest that the AC-AVF is a group of “osseous” AVF that involves the anterior condylar vein and jugular tubercle venous complex (JTVC), and the osseous veins connected to them. The AC-AVF develops in osseous veins adjacent to the hypoglossal canal, and it is one of the most common subtypes of osseous AVFs. The angioarchitectures and etiology of AC-AVFs discussed herein are essential to understand this clinical entity.