From the Research
Yes, a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) can cause ciliary flush, particularly when it affects the anterior segment of the eye, as evidenced by the most recent study 1 which highlights the importance of prompt treatment to prevent further complications. The mechanism of ciliary flush in dAVF involves abnormal connections between arteries and veins, leading to increased pressure in the venous system of the eye, which can manifest as ciliary flush, along with other symptoms like proptosis, chemosis, increased intraocular pressure, and sometimes vision loss. Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of dAVF include:
- The location of the dAVF, with cavernous sinus or orbital region fistulas being more likely to cause ciliary flush
- The presence of other symptoms, such as pulsatile tinnitus, orbital bruit, or neurological symptoms, which can indicate the presence of a dAVF
- The importance of prompt neuroimaging to evaluate for a possible dAVF
- The effectiveness of endovascular embolization in resolving ciliary flush and other ocular manifestations once the abnormal arteriovenous connection is closed, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. It is essential to prioritize the treatment of dAVF to prevent further complications, such as vision loss or intracranial hemorrhage, and to improve patient outcomes, as highlighted in the study 1.