Spinal arteriovenous malformation associated with syringomyelia

J Neurosurg Spine. 2009 May;10(5):436-42. doi: 10.3171/2009.2.SPINE08172.

Abstract

The authors describe 4 cases of syringomyelia-associated spinal cord arteriovenous malformation (AVM). All cases were managed with embolization of the AVM. Treatments were aimed to stabilize the AVM itself and not directed toward the syrinx. In 3 of the 4 cases the syringomyelia resolved after treatment. Reports concerning AVM as a cause of syringomyelia is very scarce and lacks posttreatment clinical information. In light of the clinical course and imaging findings, the authors propose a theory that venous hypertension in the spinal cord is the trigger for the development of syringomyelia, which may reverse after AVM treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / complications*
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Spinal Cord / blood supply*
  • Syringomyelia / complications*