Radiosurgery for dural arteriovenous fistula.

The early results of radiosurgery for dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) are reported. Thirteen cases of DAVF, 9 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 39 to 74 years (mean 54.3), are presented. None underwent surgical resection, but 7 of the 13 did receive embolization. DAVF locations were the cavernous sinus (4), transverse-sigmoid (2), tentorium (4), and the anterior skull base, cranio-cervical junction, and superior sagittal sinus in 1 case each. The DAVF lesions were 14.9 mm in mean diameter and were treated with a mean marginal dose of 18.9 Gy (range 15-24 Gy). Follow-up studies (mean, 24 months) showed excellent neurological recovery as well as disappearance or shrinkage of the DAVF nidus. In conclusion, DAVF showed a remarkable response similar to that for AVM radiosurgery.