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.