What is an AVF?
Dural arteriovenous fistulae are abnormal connections between arteries in the head and the large veins draining the brain that are found in the covering of the brain (dural sinuses). There is a direct connection between the arteries and the sinus without any vessels between. These fistulae can result from trauma, infections (such as sinus infections or mastoiditis), or from clotting of the vein (the fistula forms as a result of the body trying to reopen the vein). The symptoms of a fistula can vary. An unusual sound may be heard in one ear (pulsating or humming). If the fistula causes the pressure in the veins draining the brain to increase, there may be neurological symptoms and headaches. A dangerous complication of a fistula is rupture of the vein, resulting in hemorrhage in or around the brain. What is a Carotid-Cavernous Fistulae (CCF)? Carotid-cavernous fistulae are abnormal connections between the carotid artery (or its branches) and a large vein (cavernous sinus) behind the eye
