Spinal arteriovenous malformation with a calcified nodule: illustrative case

Background: This article describes a rare case of cervical spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) mimicking a neurogenic spinal tumor.

Observations: A 22-year-old female presenting with a C6-7 AVM with a calcification nodule experienced new-onset acute right upper radiculopathy associated with extradural compression of the spinal cord. Note that spinal AVMs with a calcified nodule are rare. Endovascular embolization is generally used to relieve the symptoms of AVM; however, this procedure cannot relieve cord compression, particularly in cases complicated by calcified nodules. This article discusses treatment options.

Lessons: Decompression surgery is preferable to endovascular embolization because it alleviates symptoms while preventing cord compression and minimizing the risk of recurrence.