Stereotactic radiosurgery as an alternative treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula

Unlike cerebral arteriovenous malformation or cavernous malformation, dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an uncommon cerebrovascular malformation in clinical practice. However, the clinical treatment modalities for DAVFs have expanded in recent years. The standard treatment for DAVF is endovascular surgery. Endovascular surgery is an effective and safe treatment method if open surgical treatment is considered dangerous in a patient. Nonetheless, after endovascular embolization, additional treatment is often required due to insecure occlusion or procedure-related sequelae. Recent reports have demonstrated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as an effective and safe alternative to conventional endovascular surgery. This review summarizes DAVF and SRS in general and proposes indications for SRS as an appropriate treatment option for DAVFs.