A sacral filum terminale arteriovenous fistula fed by a left T9 artery of Adamkiewicz

Abstract

This is a case of 62-year-old patient presenting with tingling and numbness extending from the buttocks area towards the lower extremities and gait instability. Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics Magnetic Resonance Imaging (TRICKS MRI) raised suspicion for a possible dural arteriovenous fistula. Diagnostic Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) showed a filum terminale arterio venous fistula (AVF) fed by the left T9 from the anterior spinal artery of Adamkiewicz all the way down to the fistulous point at L5-S1. The patient underwent successful laminectomy of L5-S1 and clipping of the filum terminale arteriovenous fistula.

Keywords

• Filum terminale
• Arteriovenous fistula
• Surgical clipping
• Long distance feeder