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