Dural arteriovenous shunts in children

Dural arteriovenous shunts (dAVF) in children can be classified as dural sinus malformations, infantile dural arteriovenous shunts, and adult-type dural arteriovenous shunts. All subtypes can result in neurologic morbidity as a result of venous or intracranial hypertension and its sequelae. Prognostication and appropriate management is incumbent depends upon understanding both the subtype of dural arteriovenous shunt and its relevant anatomy. When treatment is indicated, endovascular embolization is the mainstay. Surgical treatment may be used adjunctively, though its primary indication is for adult-type dAVF with direct leptomeningeal venous drainage, which cannot be easily accessed by endovascular means. Although radiosurgery has been used successfully in adults with dAVF, its utility for pediatric patients remains largely unexplored.