Early Disappearance of Cord Signal Changes following Endovascular Treatment of a Spinal Dural AV Fistula

Abstract

Spinal dural arterio venous fistulas (SDAVFs) are the commonest type of spinal vascular malformations and are encountered mostly among adult patients. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with SDAVFs demonstrates features like spinal cord swelling and signal changes. Cord signal changes are believed to be due to venous stasis. Treatment of a spinal vascular malformation may result in complete or partial resolution of MR findings with associated clinical improvement. The earliest documentation of reduction or disappearance of cord signal changes on post treatment MR images, was one month later in one series in the literature. We present and discuss disappearance of cord signal changes on MRI within 72 hours following endovascular treatment by liquid glue injection in a patient with SDAVF.

Keywords

spinal dural AVF embolization follow-up MRI

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