Syringomyelia Associated with Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Clinical and Radiological Improvement after Embolization

Abstract

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are rare and can result in spinal cord dysfunction. We present one such case wherein the patient presented with a venous congestive myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a syrinx formation, spinal cord edema, and flow voids. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed the dural AVF, which was treated with embolization. The syrinx disappeared, other spinal cord changes improved, and the patient had remarkable clinical improvement. The case is presented to draw attention to the rare formation of a syrinx in a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula and its disappearance after successful embolization.

Keywords

• spinal dural arteriovenous fistula
• syringomyelia
• embolization
• spinal cord edema
• flow voids