Hypoglossal Canal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Rare Cause of Ocular Proptosis

ABSTRACT

It is exceedingly rare for dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) outside of the cavernous sinus to present with ophthalmological symptoms and signs. Hypoglossal canal DAVFs (HC-DAVFs) have only previously been reported as individual cases or small case series. Further, only an estimated 31% of HC-DAVFs present with ophthalmological findings. We report a noteworthy case of an HC-DAVF in a 74-year-old male who presented with proptosis, chemosis, and reduced visual acuity. He was treated endovascularly with liquid embolic filling. This report aims to highlight HC-DAVF as an important differential diagnosis for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of arterialisation of the ophthalmic veins.

KEYWORDS:

• Arteriovenous fistula
• hypoglossal canal
• digital subtraction angiography
• ocular proptosis
• endovascular embolisation

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All authors were involved in the conception or design of the work; preparation; drafting/critical revision of the article and final approval.

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