Abstract
SUMMARY: Spinal vascular shunts, including fistulas and malformations, are rare and complex vascular lesions for which multiple classification schemes have been proposed. The most widely adopted scheme consists of 4 types: type I, dural AVFs; type II, intramedullary glomus AVMs; type III, juvenile/metameric AVMs; and type IV, intradural perimedullary AVFs. MR imaging and angiography techniques permit detailed assessment of spinal arteriovenous shunts, though DSA is the criterion standard for delineating vascular anatomy and treatment planning. Diagnosis is almost exclusively based on imaging, and features often mimic more common pathologies. The radiologist’s recognition of spinal vascular shunts may improve outcomes because patients may benefit from early intervention.
ABBREVIATIONS:
- ASA
- anterior spinal artery
- CS
- classification scheme
- IPAVF
- intradural perimedullary arteriovenous fistula
- PSA
- posterior spinal artery
- SDAVF
- spinal dural arteriovenous fistula
- SGAVM
- spinal “glomus” arteriovenous malformation
- SJAVM
- spinal juvenile (metameric) arteriovenous malformation
- SVS
- spinal vascular shunt
- © 2021 by American Journal of Neuroradiology
Indicates open access to non-subscribers at www.ajnr.org