Transvenous Coil-plugging Technique for a Symptomatic Giant Varix Associated with Arteriovenous Malformation

Abstract

In case of symptomatic varix associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM), nidus is usually treated with transarterial embolization (TAE). However, TAE is not always possible due to inaccessible nidus. A man in his 40s presented with numbness and clumsiness in the right hand. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral angiography revealed a giant varix associated with an AVM nidus in the left parietal lobe. The varix severely compressed the postcentral gyrus with edema. The main feeder was occluded, and tiny collateral vessels fed the nidus. After admission, his symptoms deteriorated rapidly due to the enlarging varix. To extirpate the varix, selective transvenous embolization (TVE) of a small compartment, the varix neck, between the varix and the main cortical drainer with coils was performed. After treatment, the thrombosed varix gradually shrank, and his symptoms improved. The transvenous coil-plugging technique is a potential strategy for symptomatic varix with a varix neck.