Three-dimensional angioarchitecture of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas, with special reference to the intradural retrograde venous drainage system

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 398-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keisuke Takai ◽  
Taichi Kin ◽  
Hiroshi Oyama ◽  
Masaaki Shojima ◽  
Nobuhito Saito
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Dura Mater ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Artery Of Adamkiewicz ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Object There have been significant advances in understanding the angioarchitecture of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). However, the major intradural retrograde venous drainage system has not been investigated in detail, including the most proximal sites of intradural radiculomedullary veins as they connect to the dura mater, which are the final targets of interruption in both microsurgical and endovascular treatments. Methods Between April 1984 and March 2011, 27 patients with 28 AVFs were treated for spinal dural AVFs at the authors' university hospital. The authors assessed vertebral levels of feeding arteries and dural AVFs by using conventional digital subtraction angiography. They also assessed 3D locations of the most proximal sites of intradural radiculomedullary veins and the 3D positional relationship between the major intradural retrograde venous drainage system and intradural neural structures, including the spinal cord, spinal nerves, and the artery of Adamkiewicz, by using operative video recordings plus 3D rotational angiography and/or 3D computer graphics. In addition, they statistically assessed the clinical results of 27 cases. Of these lesions, 23 were treated with open microsurgery and the rest were treated with endovascular methods. Results Feeding arteries consisted of T2–10 intercostal arteries with 19 lesions, T-12 subcostal arteries with 3 lesions, and L1–3 lumbar arteries with 6 lesions. The 3D locations of the targets of interruption (the most proximal sites of intradural radiculomedullary veins as they connect to the dura mater) were identified at the dorsolateral portion of the dura mater adjacent to dorsal roots in all 19 thoracic lesions, whereas they were identified at the ventrolateral portion of the dura mater adjacent to ventral roots in 7 (78%) of 9 cases of conus medullaris/lumbar lesions (p < 0.001). The major intradural retrograde venous drainage system was located dorsal to the spinal cord in all 19 thoracic lesions, whereas it was located ventral to the spinal cord in 4 (44%) of 9 cases of conus/lumbar lesions (p = 0.006). In 3 (11%) of 27 cases, AVFs had a common origin of the artery of Adamkiewicz. In 2 lumbar lesions, the artery of Adamkiewicz ascended very close to the vein because of its ventral location. Although all lesions were successfully obliterated without major complications and both gait and micturition status significantly improved (p = 0.005 and p = 0.015, respectively), conus/lumbar lesions needed careful differential diagnosis from ventral intradural perimedullary AVFs, because the ventral location of these lesions contradicted the Spetzler classification system. Conclusions The angioarchitecture of spinal dural AVFs in the thoracic region is strikingly different from that in conus/lumbar regions with regard to the intradural retrograde venous drainage system. One should keep in mind that spinal dural AVFs are not always dorsal types, especially in conus/lumbar regions.

Concomitant conus medullaris arteriovenous shunts and sacral dural arteriovenous fistulas: pathophysiological links related to the venous drainage of the lesions in a series of five cases

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 586-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Rosi ◽  
Arturo Consoli ◽  
Stéphanie Condette-Auliac ◽  
Oguzhan Coskun ◽  
Federico Di Maria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
Venous Hypertension ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Congenital Origin ◽  
Arteriovenous Shunts ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

BackgroundSpinal cord arteriovenous shunts (scAVSs) are a group of lesions located in the spinal cord itself or in the surrounding structures. The most common scAVSs are spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (sDAVFs), which are acquired lesions. The pathogenesis of sDAVFs involves thrombosis and venous hypertension as trigger factors. Intradural scAVSs such as spinal cord arteriovenous nidus type malformations (AVMs) and pial arteriovenous fistulas are less common than sDAVFs and are considered to have a so-called ‘congenital’ origin. The association between different concomitant scAVSs is very rare and the association of sDAVFs with intradural scAVSs has been described in only a few case reports.MethodsWe describe a case series of five patients presenting with a conus medullaris AVS associated with a lower lumbar or sacral DAVF.ResultsThree of our patients were <30 years old at presentation. In four of these five cases the intradural scAVS drained caudally, engorging the epidural plexus in the same location as the sDAVF. In only one case, who presented with thrombosis of the drainage of the main compartment of a conus medullaris pial AVF, was the location of the DAVF opposite to the location of the residual drainage.ConclusionWe discuss the pathophysiological link between scAVS and sDAVF on the basis of the rarity of the DAVF, the uncommon association between scAVS and sDAVF, the presence of sDAVF in young patients, and the venous hypertension created by the venous drainage towards the sacral area responsible for angiogenesis creating the dural shunt.

scholarly journals Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (FAVDR) with Peri- Medullary Venous Drainage: Clinical, Radiological and Therapeutic Aspects (Case Report and Literature Review)

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 32-33
Author(s):  
Tarek Mesbahi ◽  
Abderrahmane Rafiq ◽  
Nidal Amara ◽  
Marouane Makhchoune ◽  
Abdelhakim Lakhdar
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Chronic Myelopathy ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are rare and often unrecognized,  they occur predominantly in men, with an initial clinical picture most often  misleading made of chronic myelopathy in the absence of treatment, the evolution is slowly towards a definitive paraplegia. We report the case of a patient referred for a table of spinal cord compression revealing a spinal dural fistula with perimedullary venous drainage treated urgently, due to the worsening of the clinical picture. The standard treatment consists of surgical or endovascular exclusion of the fistula (in our case the fistula was surgically excluded). From this case and based on the literature, we will specify the a, clinical, radiological characteristics as well as the prognosis of these malformations, and we will discuss the possibilities of therapeutic management.

Clinical presentation and prognostic factors of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: an overview

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. E17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Fugate ◽  
Giuseppe Lanzino ◽  
Alejandro A. Rabinstein
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Signal Abnormality ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Sensory Disturbances ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), the most common type of spinal cord vascular malformation, can be a challenge to diagnose and treat promptly. The disorder is rare, and the presenting clinical symptoms and signs are nonspecific and insidious at onset. Spinal dural AVFs preferentially affect middle-aged men, and patients most commonly present with gait abnormality or lower-extremity weakness and sensory disturbances. Symptoms gradually progress or decline in a stepwise manner and are commonly associated with pain and sphincter disturbances. Surgical or endovascular disconnection of the fistula has a high success rate with a low rate of morbidity. Motor symptoms are most likely to improve after treatment, followed by sensory disturbances, and lastly sphincter disturbances. Patients with severe neurological deficits at presentation tend to have worse posttreatment functional outcomes than those with mild or moderate pretreatment disability. However, improvement or stabilization of symptoms is seen in the vast majority of treated patients, and thus treatment is justified even in patients with substantial neurological deficits. The extent of intramedullary spinal cord T2 signal abnormality does not correlate with outcomes and should not be used as a prognostic factor.

Asymptomatic spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: pathomechanical considerations

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 441-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenichi Sato ◽  
Karel G. TerBrugge ◽  
Timo Krings
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Venous Hypertension ◽  
Venous Outflow ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Upper Thoracic ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Object Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) consist of a shunt with converging feeding vessels arising from radiculomeningeal arteries and draining retrogradely via a radicular vein into the perimedullary veins, thereby causing progressive myelopathy due to venous hypertension in the spinal cord. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that the obstruction of radicular venous outlets could be an additional factor inducing symptomatic venous hypertension due to a decreased outflow in SDAVFs. Methods The authors compared the clinical and imaging findings in patients with asymptomatic SDAVFs identified incidentally at the upper thoracic region with the findings in symptomatic patients who harbored SDAVFs at the same level. Results All symptomatic patients presented with medullary dysfunction. The mean age of patients with asymptomatic SDAVF was 51.5 years, approximately 10 years younger than the patients with symptomatic SDAVF (64.1 years old). Despite the existence of dilated perimedullary vessels in the dorsal side of the spinal cord in all patients, the spinal cord edema seen in symptomatic patients was not detected on the MR images obtained in patients with asymptomatic SDAVF. The spinal angiograms of the asymptomatic patients distinctively demonstrated early radicular venous outflow from affected perimedullary veins to the extradural venous plexus as a potential alternate route for the venous hypertension to be released. Conclusions Obstruction of the radicular venous outflow could be an important factor in inducing spinal congestive edema due to venous hypertension, as well as subsequent clinical symptoms of SDAVFs.

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting with Myelopathy

2019 ◽  
pp. 279-286
Author(s):  
Vinayak Narayan ◽  
Anil Nanda
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Endovascular Embolization ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Degenerative Spinal Disease ◽  
Spinal Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Abstract: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are a rare cause of congestive myelopathy. Symptoms are insidious in onset and may be confused with degenerative spinal disease. MRI characteristically shows edema of the spinal cord with serpiginous flow voids that follow the surface of the spinal cord. Careful evaluation with spinal angiography is required to ensure accurate diagnosis. Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas differ from spinal arteriovenous malformations in that most fistulas have only a single fistulous point without a nidus. Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas may be treated successfully with either surgical resection or endovascular embolization depending on their anatomy. Earlier treatment is associated with better outcomes.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula associated with a spinal perimedullary fistula

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Krings ◽  
Volker A. Coenen ◽  
Martin Weinzierl ◽  
Marcus H. T. Reinges ◽  
Michael Mull ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Vascular Malformations ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Elevated Pressure ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Progressive Myelopathy ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

✓ Among spinal cord vascular malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) must be distinguished from intradural malformations. The concurrence of both is extremely rare. The authors report the case of a 35-year-old man who suffered from progressive myelopathy and who harbored both a DAVF and an intradural perimedullary fistula. During surgery, both fistulas were identified, confirmed, and subsequently obliterated. The fistulas were located at two levels directly adjacent to each other. Although the incidence of concurrent spinal DAVFs is presumed to be approximately 2%, the combination of a dural and an intradural fistula is exceedingly rare; only two other cases have been reported in the literature. One can speculate whether the alteration in venous drainage caused by the (presumably congenital) perimedullary fistula could possibly promote the production of a second dural fistula due to elevated pressure with concomitant venous stagnation and subsequent thrombosis. The authors conclude that despite the rarity of dual pathological entities, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of the concurrence of more than one spinal fistula in the same patient.

scholarly journals Spinal Dural AVFs: Classifications and Advanced Imaging

2021 ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
Michihiro Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Thoracolumbar Spine ◽  
Venous Congestion ◽  
Advanced Imaging ◽  
Imaging Technology ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Progressive Myelopathy ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

AbstractSpinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are the most common vascular shunts of the spine. They occur predominantly in men (more than 80%), commonly involve the thoracolumbar spine, and usually cause progressive myelopathy because of venous congestion of the spinal cord. Recent advanced imaging technology can visualize the detailed angioarchitecture of the spinal cord, and this provides more information of the regional microanatomy related with the shunt disease. We retrospectively analyzed the location of the shunt with adjacent vasculatures and assessed the efficacy and the sensitivity of each imaging modality. Based on these data, a new concept of classification for SDAVFs was reviewed.

scholarly journals Bilateral Cervical Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas with Intracranial Venous Drainage Mimicking a Foramen Magnum Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven W. Hetts ◽  
Joey D. English ◽  
Shirley I. Stiver ◽  
Vineeta Singh ◽  
Erin J. Yee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Venous Hypertension ◽  
Complex Case ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Diagnostic Angiography ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

We describe a unique case of bilateral cervical spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas mimicking an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula near the foramen magnum. We review its detection via MRI and digital subtraction angiography and subsequent management through surgical intervention. Pitfalls in diagnostic angiography are discussed with reference to accurate location of the fistula site. The venous anastomotic connections of the posterior midline spinal vein to the medial posterior medullary vein, posterior fossa bridging veins, and dural venous sinuses of the skull base are discussed with reference to problem-solving in this complex case. The mechanism of myelopathy through venous hypertension produced by spinal dural fistulas is also emphasized.

scholarly journals Cervical spinal dural fistulas leading to remote thoracolumbar myelopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-343
Author(s):  
Mesha Martinez ◽  
Abderrahmane Hedjoudje ◽  
Carlos Pardo ◽  
Rafael J. Tamargo ◽  
Philippe Gailloud
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Venous Hypertension ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Vascular Myelopathy ◽  
Upper Thoracic ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Purpose of reviewSpinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are abnormal connections between 1 or more radiculomeningeal arteries and a single radiculomedullary vein draining into the perimedullary venous system. SDAVFs present in older patients with a progressive myelopathy caused by diffuse spinal venous hypertension. The discrepancy between the focal nature of the arteriovenous shunt and the extent of the induced myelopathy is a classic feature of SDAVFs related to the coexistence of diffuse spinal venous drainage impairment.Recent findingsWe describe 3 cases of cervical SDAVFs (at C1, C4, and C7) presenting with a myelopathy that spared the cervical spinal cord and, in 2 instances, the upper thoracic cord. This is to our knowledge the first observations of cervical SDAVFs with MRI showing absent or subtle flow voids and presenting remote thoracolumbar myelopathy without cervical cord involvement.SummaryA considerable distance may separate low-flow spinal arteriovenous fistulas from the spinal cord damage they produce. These observations emphasize the importance of performing a complete spinal angiogram when investigating a vascular myelopathy of any location and extent.

Mirror-Image Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas at the Craniocervical Junction

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. E1166-E1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jumpei Oshita ◽  
Satoshi Yamaguchi ◽  
Shinji Ohba ◽  
Kaoru Kurisu
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Mirror Site ◽  
Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE We report an extremely rare case with mirror-site spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) at the craniocervical junction. Although multiple spinal DAVFs have been reported in the literature, complete mirror-site lesions with fistulas and feeding arteries in the symmetric position have not been previously described. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 74-year-old man presented with walking disturbance, urinary incontinence, and constipation progressing over a 14-month period. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed a high-intensity area in the spinal cord at the level from C4 to C6 and multiple flow voids at the surface of the spinal cord. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography revealed bilateral DAVFs located in the mirror site of the craniocervical junction. Direct surgery with suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy revealed dilated tortuous red veins on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord. We found bilateral symmetric red veins around the dural penetration of the vertebral artery. Both red veins were successfully interrupted with the aneurysmal clips. Postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomographic angiography revealed a disappearance of the bilateral fistulas. Magnetic resonance images obtained 6 months after the surgery confirmed the disappearance of the intramedullary high-intensity area and flow voids. The symptoms before the operation improved after surgery, especially urinary incontinence and constipation, with slight walking disturbance. CONCLUSION Because fistulas in the present case existed at the same spinal level, we found multiple fistulas on the first examination. This early notification resulted in a good outcome from the first operation. If patients with spinal DAVFs have rapidly progressing symptoms, one should suspect multiple fistulas.

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