4D flow preliminary investigation of a direct carotid cavernous fistula due to a ruptured intracavernous aneurysm

Inadequate information is available about the cerebral blood flow and surgical strategies of a direct aneurysmal carotid cavernous fistula (daCCF). We report a quantitative analysis of flow velocity and volume using preoperative time-resolved phase-contrast MRI (four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI) in a daCCF. This is the first report of 4D flow findings with a daCCF. A 55-year-old woman developed a sudden headache and bruit of the right orbit, and MRI suggested the presence of a daCCF. Quantitative analysis using preoperative 4D flow MRI revealed the flow volume of the right internal carotid artery. The daCCF was successfully treated by high-flow bypass using a radial artery graft and internal carotid artery trapping. Postoperative angiography showed a complete obliteration of the daCCF. Studies to collect data from additional cases are required so that 4D flow findings can be further used in the management of daCCFs.