Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula manifesting as vision disturbances in a 36-year-old patient

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas are a heterogeneous group of vascular pathologies characterized by abnormal arteriovenous shunts within the dura mater. These pathological connections can occur between arteries of the dura or pia mater and veins or venous sinuses of the dura, cortex, or arachnoid. While some dural arteriovenous fistulas may remain asymptomatic, others can lead to significant clinical consequences. They can manifest in various ways, including ophthalmological symptoms. Non-invasive neuroimaging studies are crucial in their diagnosis, with endovascular therapy being the primary treatment modality. This report presents the case of a 36-year-old patient referred to the neurology department due to bilateral optic disc edema and progressive visual acuity deterioration, later diagnosed with an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula. Given the rarity of the condition, this case aims to enhance clinicians’ understanding of dural arteriovenous fistulas, their diagnostic processes, and treatment strategies.