Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Coil embolization of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula: a case report
Hiroshi Tenjin1, Satoshi Kimura, Noriaki Sugawa
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural Yosanoumi Hospital, Kitashirakawa, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8264, Japan. htenjin@nn.iij4u.or.jp
Background:
Vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VVFs) are not uncommon, but they usually present with benign symptoms such as neck murmur. We report a case of VVF presenting with myelopathy which was successfully treated by embolization with detachable coils.
Case Presentation:
A 72-year-old woman was admitted with complaint of bilateral leg weakness. Cervical magnetic resonance image showed compression of the spinal cord by a large vascular lesion. Right vertebral angiogram showed a vertebro-vertebral fistula draining into ectatic epidural veins. From a transfemoral arterial approach, the fistula site was selected with a microcatheter, and embolization was performed by placement of several Guglielmi detachable coils until flow arrest was obtained. The patient made a full recovery, and long-term angiographic follow-up demonstrated complete cure.
Conclusion:
We present a case of VVF treated using detachable coils with good long-term results.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies