Microsurgical Removal Technique of the Spinal Intramedullary Glomus AVM with Intraoperative Monitoring of the Somatosensory-Evoked Potential(SEP)

The surgical treatment of spinal arteriovenous malformations has been improved markedly during the last several years by use of the operating microscope and microsurgical instrumentations. The possibility of total removal has been viewed pessimistically. However, total extirpation of spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformation(AVM) can be possible by use of intraoperative monitoring of the somatosensory evoked potentials(SEPs). Authors report a case of spinal intramedullary glomus AVM which was successfully removed with intraoperative monitoring of the SEPs and discuss surgical management. Intraoperative monitoring of the SEPs to determine the safety of removing of the spinal intramedullary AVM is stressed.