Rapidly progressive cognitive impairment in a patient with high flow dural arteriovenous fistulas, cerebral sinus thrombosis and protein S deficiency

Abstract

Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) may present with a variety of neurological symptoms, ranging from tinnitus to fatal hemorrhage. We report a case of rapidly progressive cognitive impairment due to cerebral venous engorgement that reversed after endovascular treatment in a patient with DAVF, cerebral sinus thrombosis and protein S deficiency. DAVF may be a cause of vascular cognitive impairment and should be considered particularly in cases with a rapidly progressive course because they are potentially treatable.

Keywords: Angiographic procedure; Cognitive impairment; Dural arteriovenous fistula; Neuropsychological evaluation; Vascular dementia.