Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF).
Methods: From December 2010 to May 2012, there were 104 cases of SDAVF were treated, and 26 cases were selected to be treated with embolization. The inclusion criteria was as follows: (1) No anterior or posterior spinal artery originated from the fistula segment; (2) The segmental artery can be catheterized with guiding or micro catheter; (3) High flow in fistula; (4) Patient's situation was not suitable for surgery or general anesthesia. Among 26 cases, there were 22 male and 4 female patients, the average age was 55.9 years (ranged from 34 to 81 years). The locations of SDAVF were 10 cases in thoracic, 9 in lumbar and 7 in sacral segment. The main symptoms were progressive numbness and weakness in both lower extremities, most cases accompanied with difficulties in urination and defecation. The average history was 17.1 months (from 1 to 156 months). ONYX-18 liquid embolic agent or Glubran-2 surgical glue were used as embolic material. The patients not cured with embolization were treated with surgery in the following 1 - 2 weeks. Follow-up evaluation was done with MRI after 3 months and DSA after 6 months, besides physical examination.
Results: Fifteen from 26 cases achieved immediate angiographic cure results: 14 in 20 cases which embolized with ONYX-18; only 1 in 6 cases with Glubran-2. Three in 10 cases of thoracic SDAVF and 12 in 16 cases of lumbar/sacral SDAVF were cured with embolization. Partially embolized cases were treated with surgical obliteration of drainage veins within 2 weeks. Cured patients experienced immediate improvement after embolization and kept getting better in the follow-up. All the patients had MRI follow-up after 3 months and DSA follow-up after 6 months. In 6 month's follow-up, MRI showed the edema and flow void signal in the spinal cord disappeared. DSA showed no fistula recurrence or remnant. There was no deterioration case in all of the embolized cases.
Conclusions: Particular SDAVF is suitable for embolization with ONYX-18. Most lesions located in lumbar and sacral segment are good indications for embolization.