[Paraspinal arteriovenous malformations with perimedullary venous drainage]

J Neuroradiol. 2008 Jul;35(3):165-72. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2008.01.081. Epub 2008 May 16.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Symptoms of chronic myelopathy in cases of paraspinal arteriovenous malformations are most often related to perimedullary venous drainage. Here, we report on three cases of such malformations that have unique epidural venous drainage. These thoracolumbar lesions manifested as isolated back pain (in two cases) and S1 lumboradicular pain (in one case). MRI presented evidence to suggest a diagnosis of these rare conditions, based on signs of vertebral erosion, signal loss (flow void) on T1- and T2-weighted imaging, and partial enhancement after gadolinium injection, with no signs of congestive myelopathy. Spinal angiography confirmed the presence of a paraspinal fistula and, at the same time, allowed treatment by intra-arterial onyx injection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / pathology
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / physiopathology
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging*
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Cord / blood supply*