CAVERNOUS DURAL FISTULAS - ROLE OF TRANSO CULAR DUPLEX SCAN IN DEFINING VENOUS PATENCY AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

Transcranial Duplex scan is a relatively recent diagnostic tool with m any unexplored clinical potentials. The authors insist on the role of transocular exploration, as a non-invasive substitute to angiography a nd discuss two patients with cavernous meningeal arteriovenous fistula , a benign but relatively uncommon disease. In the first patient, in w hom symptoms recurred, Duplex scan was able to rule out thrombophlebit is and to show increased flow in the fistula, thus leading to proper t reatment. In the second patient, the identification of a periorbital t hrombophlebitis innocented the fistula and prompted anti-coagulation. We conclude that besides its diagnostic capabilities, Duplex scan may be helpful in selecting proper treatment and followup in specific neur ovascular conditions.