Rare occurrence of dural arteriovenous fistula in a child: Multi-modality imaging and literature review

Abstract

A dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare condition in a child and is not evident clinically. It is a type of an acquired cerebral vascular malformation that usually occurs after a thrombotic event of the cerebral venous sinuses. Dural AVF is not suspected clinically and is revealed through imaging done for evaluation of cranial symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to revisit the pathophysiology and the clinical situations leading to intracranial dural AVF. Equally crucial is identifying the imaging findings on computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging brain scans done as a preliminary work-up in these patients. However, for optimal management decision and prognostication of dural AVF, a digital subtraction angiography is essential. As the entire burden of establishing the diagnosis rests on the radiologists, we would like to present this rare case report highlighting both the clinical and imaging aspects and the management options available for dural AVFs.

Keywords

• Dural AVF
• Cognard staging