Early rebleeding of a foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula (FM-DAVF) is a subset of craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistulas. We report a rare case of FM-DAVF with early rebleeding and review the literature. A 50-year-old man experienced 3 episodes of intracranial bleeding from a vessel malformation in the acute stage. We identified an FM-DAVF, supplied by multiple feeding arteries (eg, left ascending pharyngeal artery) that drained into the straight sinus and left superior petrosal sinus. The draining vein had venous varices. We performed transarterial feeder embolization and surgical disconnection of the DAVF. Early rebleeding of FM-DAVF is rare. High-risk patients require risk assessment and appropriate treatment as soon as possible in the acute stage.

Keywords

• Foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula
• Craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistula
• Early rebleeding
• Ascending pharyngeal artery