Dural arteriovenous fistula formation as Eagle jugular syndrome: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: An elongated styloid process can less frequently lead to symptomatic compression of the internal jugular vein (IJV). We present the first case of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in association with compressed IJV by an elongated styloid process.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 77-year-old woman presented with pulsating tinnitus. She was diagnosed with DAVF at the right hypoglossal canal and underwent transvenous embolization (TVE). The shunt flow was reduced and the symptom disappeared after TVE. However, 2 years and 8 months later, retrograde sinus drainage from the residual shunt was asymptomatically found on magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography revealed progression of IJV stenosis caused by an elongated styloid process. Subsequently, she underwent second TVE and the arteriovenous shunt was almost completely obliterated.

CONCLUSIONS: The present case suggests that venous hypertension by compressed IJV can induce the development of DAVF. It will be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of DAVF to keep in mind the possibility of IJV stenosis due to an elongated styloid process.