3.4 | Treatment and outcomes of SDAVF
SDAVF treatment includes direct microsurgery and endovascular embolization. Clinical outcomes were determined by shorter preoperative symptom duration, the severity of initial deficit, the extent of spinal cord edema, treatment failure, and residual fistula 8). In particular, shorter preoperative symptom durations were significantly associated with improved motor function (median, 0.8 vs. 3.1 years; p= 0.001) and improved urinary function (median, 0.8 vs. 2.2 years; p = 0.040) postoperatively 15. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
3.5 | Reminder to clinicians
SDAVF is characterized by thoracic myelopathy. SDAVF is generally thought to be characterized by an early onset of paresthesia and intermittent lameness, followed by a slow progression of myelopathy. However, it is easily misdiagnosed as another disease such as spinal degenerative disease and myelitis.
However, SDAVF is a treatable condition, and early diagnosis and treatment can influence prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should aggressively and promptly evaluate suspected SDAVF. This is achieved by identifying lesions at the thoracic level through a comprehensive clinical assessment and recognizing the distinctive imaging features, which aid in making an accurate diagnosis and determining the suitable treatment plan.