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Spinal dural arteriovenous malformation: a cause of myelopathy
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Abstract:
Spinal vascular malformation is an uncommon but potentially treatable cause of myelopathy. We describe two cases of angiographically proven spinal vascular malformation in Malaysia. The first case is a 47-year-old man who had a progressive myelopathy and the second a 60-year-old man with intermittent attacks of transient paraparesis leading to paraplegia. As the clinical presentation of spinal vascular malformation is variable, it should be considered as a cause of patients with myelopathy.
Insights
Spinal vascular malformations are rare causes of myelopathy. Early consideration of these treatable conditions is crucial for patients presenting with spinal cord dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal vascular malformations (SVMs) are infrequent yet treatable causes of myelopathy.
- Diagnosis often relies on advanced imaging techniques like angiography.
Observation:
- Two Malaysian cases of angiographically confirmed SVMs are presented.
- Case 1: A 47-year-old male with progressive myelopathy.
- Case 2: A 60-year-old male with transient paraparesis progressing to paraplegia.
Findings:
- SVMs can manifest with diverse clinical presentations, including progressive myelopathy and intermittent paraparesis.
- The variability in clinical signs underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by SVMs.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for SVMs in patients with unexplained myelopathy.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of SVMs can potentially reverse or halt neurological deficits.
- Increased awareness of SVMs can improve patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy in neurology and neurosurgery.