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Ruptured spinal arteriovenous malformation causing cauda equina syndrome: case report.
J Timothy1, C Dominguez, D Lafuente
1Department of Neurosurgery, Leeds General Infirmary, UK.
Summary
An elderly patient experienced acute cauda equina syndrome due to a spinal arteriovenous malformation bleed. Prompt surgical intervention led to a full neurological recovery, highlighting effective treatment for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Vascular Malformations
Background:
- Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies.
- Cauda equina syndrome (CES) presents with neurological deficits in the lower extremities.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the spinal canal is a critical condition.
Observation:
- An elderly patient presented with acute symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.
- Imaging revealed a confined subarachnoid bleed originating from a spinal arteriovenous malformation.
- The patient's neurological status indicated severe spinal cord compression.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention successfully addressed the spinal arteriovenous malformation and the associated hemorrhage.
- The patient demonstrated a remarkable and complete neurological recovery post-operatively.
- This case underscores the potential for significant recovery even in elderly patients with CES.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in spinal AVM-related CES.
- Spinal AVMs, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute CES.
- This case contributes to the understanding of managing complex spinal vascular pathologies.