1 | INTRODCUTIONT
Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is the most common spinal
arteriovenous shunt disease and occurs most commonly at the level of the
thoracic spine in middle-aged and older men. There is a fistula between
the radiculomeningeal artery and the radiculomedullary vein in the dura
mater near the spinal nerve root, and high pressure from the artery is
applied to the veins around the spinal cord, causing the veins on the
surface of the spinal cord to expand tortuously. This condition causes
progressive myelopathy because of venous congestion and severe
neurological symptoms. This disease progresses for several months to
several years, resulting in irreversible spinal cord damage; however, if
diagnosed early and the fistula is closed, disease progression can be
halted, and recovery can be expected 1. However, this
disease can be frequently confused with other medical conditions, and
reaching a definitive diagnosis often takes a long time2.
Herein, we present characteristic preoperative and postoperative images
of a patient with SDAVF diagnosed using the initial lumbar magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). This case report aims to address the diagnostic
issues of this disease and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis,
using characteristic imaging features and treatment, which are critical
in improving outcomes.
2 |CASE REPORT