Carotid cavernous fistula: Redefining the angioarchitecture.

Objective: Numerous classification schemes have been used for carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), each describing some aspect of the disease process but none of them provides a complete description of the fistula including its clinical features, natural history, arterial and venous architecture.

Methods: Retrospective clinical and radiological review was done for all the patients diagnosed with CCF and treated at our institute. The CCF were classified according to the proposed API-ACE classification along with Barrow and Thomas classification.

Results: Overall 28 patients (M=21, F=7) were diagnosed and treated during the 6-year period. 89.2% of CCF developed following an episode of head injury. Orbital symptoms were the most common presenting complaints. Barrows type A was the most predominant subtype (n=24) and most of the patients (n=23) demonstrated decreased ipsilateral carotid filling. Combined anterior and posterior drainage pattern was the most common drainage pattern and anterior drainage was more commonly observed than posterior drainage.

Conclusions: API-ACE classification helps to better understand and classify the angioarchitecture of CCF which could help better understand the clinical manifestations and guide in appropriate endovascular approach selection for treatment.