Pressure-Lowering Effect of Interventional Fistula Occlusion in Secondary Glaucoma due to Orbital Draining Intracerebral Fistulae

Background Carotid cavernous sinus fistulas (CSCF) are pathological connections of the internal and/or external carotid artery (and/or its branches) to the cavernous sinus. Ophthalmological symptoms and problems occur particularly when drainage is via the superior ophthalmic vein. Material and Methods Seven eyes of six patients with a high-grade suspicion of CSCF were included in this retrospective monocentric study. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in the included patients, where an interventional fistula closure was performed in the case of CSCF. Four of the six patients received a pre- and post-interventional day-night intraocular pressure profile. Furthermore, medical history, symptoms, visual acuity, slit lamp microscopic findings, and DSA findings were evaluated. Results The most common symptoms reported by patients were red eyes, diplopia, and exophthalmos. When the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured, 83.33% of the patients showed increased values. Themean IOP in the day-night intraocular pressure profile in the affected eye before intervention was 23.5 (+/- 2.7) mmHg compared to 14.1 (+/- 2.3) mmHg in the healthy eye. A significant difference could thus be demonstrated in side comparison (p = 0.0047). The post-interventional measurement showed a mean IOP of 15.3 (+/- 1.0) mmHg in the affected eye and thus a significant difference to the pre-interventional measurement in the affected eye (p = 0.0018). Four of the six patients with CSCF were taking antiglaucomatous eye drops before the intervention, and two patients after the intervention. The number of antiglaucoma drugs used could also be reduced. Conclusion Interventional fistula closure is an effective method for treating the secondary increase of IOP in CSCF. Successful closure of the fistula showed a significant reduction in IOP, which was not possible with the sole administration of antiglaucoma drugs. Radius-Maumenee syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis.