rare aetiology of myelopathy: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: Report of 6 cases

ABSTRACT

The authors describe 6 cases of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula [5 males and one female patient, with a mean age of 64 years [range 49 - 77 years]]. Four of the spinal arteriovenous fistulas were located at the thoracic level, one at the lumbar and one at the sacral level. Clinically, symptoms were divided between radiculopathy and myelopathy. Diagnosis was made using magnetic resonance imaging and confirmation attained with angiography, excluding one case which was incidentally found. A fistula between the radicular and the corresponding radicular vein within the dural sheath, at the level of the spinal root foramina, was visually confirmed intraoperatively and clipping of the fistula was done in 3 cases, whereas 3 fistulas were closed by endovascular embolization. All patients totally recovered with no neurological deficit/so Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are rare because of myelopathy but sometimes because of radiculopathy. Diagnosis is the key in prevention of irreversible neurological damage. Treatment consists of closure of fistula through clipping or embolization