TY - JOUR
T1 - Spontaneous resolution of a thoracic spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula caused by stabbing injury
AU - Torok, Collin
AU - Laufer, Ilya
AU - Gailloud, Philippe
PY - 2013/5/15
Y1 - 2013/5/15
N2 - Objective. To demonstrate a unique case of a spontaneously resolving epidural arteriovenous fistula caused by a stab wound, as well as to present a brief review of pathology. Summary of Background Data. Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVF) are high-flow vascular malformations characterized by an arteriovenous shunt involving the internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP). SEAVFs can present with intramedullary, subarachnoid or epidural hemorrhages, spinal cord or nerve root compression, and progressive myelopathy secondary to medullary venous hypertension. The type of venous drainage (intradural, extradural, or mixed) strongly influences the mode of presentation. Spontaneous resolution of a spinal vascular malformation is a well-documented yet rare phenomenon. Methods. Angiographical and magnetic resonance images of the lesion were obtained pre- and post spontaneous resolution. A brief review of the topic is also presented. Results. Our observation identifies stabbing as an unusual mechanism for the formation of a SEAVF, and offers an angiographically documented example of complete spontaneous resolution of this type of vascular malformation. SEAVFs of traumatic origin have been previously reported, but we believe that our observation represents the first documentation of such a lesion being caused by stabbing with subsequent spontaneous resolution. Conclusion. Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVFs) are increasingly diagnosed vascular malformations with the potential to inflict serious neurological damage if not recognized and treated in time. Spontaneous resolution of a spinal vascular malformation is a well-documented yet rare phenomenon. Our observation identifies stabbing as an unusual mechanism for the formation of a SEAVF, and offers an example of complete spontaneous resolution of this type of vascular malformation.
AB - Objective. To demonstrate a unique case of a spontaneously resolving epidural arteriovenous fistula caused by a stab wound, as well as to present a brief review of pathology. Summary of Background Data. Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVF) are high-flow vascular malformations characterized by an arteriovenous shunt involving the internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP). SEAVFs can present with intramedullary, subarachnoid or epidural hemorrhages, spinal cord or nerve root compression, and progressive myelopathy secondary to medullary venous hypertension. The type of venous drainage (intradural, extradural, or mixed) strongly influences the mode of presentation. Spontaneous resolution of a spinal vascular malformation is a well-documented yet rare phenomenon. Methods. Angiographical and magnetic resonance images of the lesion were obtained pre- and post spontaneous resolution. A brief review of the topic is also presented. Results. Our observation identifies stabbing as an unusual mechanism for the formation of a SEAVF, and offers an angiographically documented example of complete spontaneous resolution of this type of vascular malformation. SEAVFs of traumatic origin have been previously reported, but we believe that our observation represents the first documentation of such a lesion being caused by stabbing with subsequent spontaneous resolution. Conclusion. Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVFs) are increasingly diagnosed vascular malformations with the potential to inflict serious neurological damage if not recognized and treated in time. Spontaneous resolution of a spinal vascular malformation is a well-documented yet rare phenomenon. Our observation identifies stabbing as an unusual mechanism for the formation of a SEAVF, and offers an example of complete spontaneous resolution of this type of vascular malformation.
KW - Arteriovenous fistula
KW - Epidural
KW - Spinal
KW - Spontaneous resolution
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U2 - 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31828cf993
DO - 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31828cf993
M3 - Article
C2 - 23429688
AN - SCOPUS:84879119885
SN - 0362-2436
VL - 38
SP - E683-E686
JO - Spine
JF - Spine
IS - 11
ER -