Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Associated with Dental Implant.

Abstract

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are characterized by pathologic shunts between meningeal arteries and venous sinuses, without nidus. Although many lesions are considered idiopathic, there may be an association with inflammatory processes, including sinus thrombosis, venous hypertension, craniotomy, trauma, and infections. A 50-year-old woman with an infectious complication of a dental implant evolved with an occipital DAVF. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a dental implant-related DAVF reported in the medical literature. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of DAVF formation after craniofacial infections. Better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of this type of lesion is required to avoid and treat potential complications.