Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Recognizing the Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Sacral dural arteriovenous fistulas: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge – single-centre experience of 13 cases and review of the literature

“…Aside from the nonspecific clinical presentation, the initial diagnosis of sacral DAVF is often complicated by a lack of specific imaging findings 11. The MR features at presentation (spinal cord swelling, increased signal on T2-weighted studies and intramedullary enhancement) may vary among patients and are highly non-specific 12 13.…”

Absence of abnormal vessels in the subarachnoid space on conventional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas

“…The results of earlier and larger published series support our assertion, with some reporting only 45%-55% of spinal DAVF patients dem- onstrating abnormal spinal vasculature on conventional MRI. 11,13,14,17,18,22 However, this lower range of reported sensitivities may be attributable, at least in part, to the limitations of less sophisticated MRI units in earlier studies.…”

“…9,17 Spinal cord edema on conventional MRI has been found to be very sensitive for the diagnosis of spinal DAVF, with reported sensitivity close to 100%. 10,18,19,22,29 However it is a nonspecific finding that can be attributed to much more common entities such as demyelination, trauma, and spinal canal stenosis secondary to degenerative disease of the spine. 8,10,17,18 Our experience shows that even using current MR technology, the more specific findings of abnormal vasculature in the subarachnoid space may be absent in some patients with spinal DAVFs on conventional MR images.…”

“…10,18,19,22,29 However it is a nonspecific finding that can be attributed to much more common entities such as demyelination, trauma, and spinal canal stenosis secondary to degenerative disease of the spine. 8,10,17,18 Our experience shows that even using current MR technology, the more specific findings of abnormal vasculature in the subarachnoid space may be absent in some patients with spinal DAVFs on conventional MR images. Thiex et al 34 reported a similar experience in a patient with a spinal DAVF in whom conventional MRI failed to demonstrate abnormal vessels in the subarachnoid space.…”

Myelopathy Caused by Spinal Dural Arterio-Venous Fistula after First Lumbar Vertebral Body Fracture - A Case Report -

“…For more accurate arteriovenous fi stula locating, angiography can be used, which is benefi cial for combined diagnosis and treatment. 1,8 In the case of our patient, the arteriovenous fi stula located at the posterior center of the first lumbar vertebral body at the bursting fracture of vertebra area was found by angiography, and all the feeding artery were linked to the area. This showed the possibility of formation of the spinal vein and arteriovenous fi stula caused by the damage of the spinal radicular artery by fracture.…”