Simultaneous Diagnosis and Treatment of Double Synchronous Spinal Cord Vascular Malformation

J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2019 Jul;80(4):325-332. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1683446. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Abstract

Although multiple concurrent spinal arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are a well-known anatomical and clinical entity, the management of these lesions and timing of surgical intervention is still a matter of debate.A 74-year-old man with a 2-year history of progressive weakness of both lower limbs and lower back pain was diagnosed angiographically with a thoracic DAVF. During the surgical procedure, double independent spinal DAVFs were identified. With the aid of neurophysiologic monitoring, we proceeded to the closure of both fistulas in a one-step surgery.Neurophysiologic monitoring represents a valid, widely available, minimally invasive tool for the detection of immediate motor fiber damage due to disruption of the incorrect vessels during DAVF surgery and facilitates a safe treatment in a one-step procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiography
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / surgery*
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / surgery*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Low Back Pain / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Spinal Cord / blood supply*
  • Spinal Cord / surgery