Vertebral arterio-venous fistula presenting with intracranial hemorrhage

J Neurosurg Sci. 2002 Jun;46(2):71-5; discussion 75-6.

Abstract

Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas are rare lesions consisting of an abnormal shunt between the extracranial vertebral artery and the neighboring veins. The authors present a case of post-surgical high-flow left vertebral arteriovenous fistula presenting with intracranial hemorrhage. The patient underwent endovascular balloon occlusion of the fistula: after endovascular treatment a reduction of the flow was evident but the patient presented neurological deterioration related the occurrence of intraventricular-subarachnoid hemorrhage. Intracranial hemorrhage is a potential manifestation of high-flow vertebral AVF and a possible complication of endovascular fistula balloon occlusion. Direct endovascular occlusion of the vertebral artery may be primarily considered in selected cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Fistula / etiology*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / therapy
  • Balloon Occlusion / adverse effects
  • Decompression, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / etiology*
  • Jugular Veins / abnormalities*
  • Middle Aged
  • Vertebral Artery / abnormalities*