Sacral dural arteriovenous fistula supplied by bilateral lateral sacral arteries: case report and literature review

Br J Neurosurg. 2023 Dec;37(6):1797-1800. doi: 10.1080/02688697.2021.1916434. Epub 2021 May 13.

Abstract

Sacral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with bilateral arterial supplies are extremely rare. To date, only two cases with arterial supply from bilateral lateral sacral arteries (LSAs) were reported. We report a rare case of sacral DAVF with arterial supply from bilateral LSAs. A 56-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of progressive weakness and numbness in his lower extremities, along with urinary incontinence. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive edema of the spinal cord, vascular flow voids, and intraparenchymal enhancement. Spinal angiography revealed a spinal DAVF at the level of S1 supplied by bilateral LSAs and drained ascending into the perimedullary venous plexus. The fistula was successfully treated with endovascular embolization. Sacral DAVFs present various diagnostic and treatment difficulties because of the complex angioarchitecture. Successful management of these lesions requires a profound understanding of the variable patterns of arterial supply in this region.

Keywords: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula; bilateral supplies; lateral sacral artery; sacral dural arteriovenous fistula.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Arteries
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Cord* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord* / surgery