Multi-detector-row CT angiography as a preoperative evaluation for spinal arteriovenous fistulae

The role of multi-detector-row computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) in spinal vascular malformations has not yet been determined. We present a report on a short series of spinal arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) evaluated by MDCTA. With 4-row and 16-row MDCTA, three cases of spinal dural AVF and one case of perimedullary AVF were examined. Each case was also examined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spinal catheter angiography. In two patients with spinal dural AVF, including one patient with angiographically occult AVF, MDCTA successfully located the site of the AVF in a multi-planar reformation image. MDCTA failed to locate the remaining case of spinal dural AVF, probably due to the small amount of shunting blood volume at the fistula. In a patient with perimedullary AVF, MDCTA visualized the broad range of the lesion, including the anterior spinal artery as a single feeder, the fistulous point, and the single perimedullary draining vein. In conclusion, although conventional spinal angiography might be still essential, MDCTA provides useful information for the surgeon in treatment of the spinal dural AVF. Further accumulation of clinical cases is required to determine the potential of MDCTA for perimedullary AVF. MDCTA should be considered as a choice of investigation in the evaluation of spinal AVFs.