Spinal intraosseous epidural arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary drainage obliterated with Onyx embolization: case report

J Neurosurg Spine. 2015 Aug;23(2):250-3. doi: 10.3171/2014.12.SPINE141062. Epub 2015 May 22.

Abstract

The authors report an extremely rare case of spinal intraosseous epidural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with perimedullary vein reflux causing symptoms of myelopathy. The intraosseous fistula tracts were completely obliterated with Onyx embolic agent, resulting in a total resolution of symptoms. The unique features of this case include the rare location of the fistula in the vertebral body and the association of the fistula with a compressive fracture. Imaging studies confirmed these hemodynamic findings and provided clarity and direct evidence regarding the association of epidural AVF formation with the vertebral compressive fracture. The authors also propose a possible disease evolution based on the previously adduced reflux-impending mechanism.

Keywords: AVF = arteriovenous fistula; LES = liquid embolic system; Onyx embolization; compressive fracture; intraosseous; myelopathy; spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula; vascular disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / surgery*
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / complications
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / surgery*
  • Drainage
  • Embolization, Therapeutic* / methods
  • Epidural Space / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery