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Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Frank Nketiah Boakye1, Raphael Kofi Vowotor1, Ronald Awoonor-Williams2
1Neurosurgery Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
Insights
Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children are rare but serious. This case highlights conservative management challenges for juvenile AVMs when advanced treatments are unavailable, risking neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Vascular Malformations
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon vascular anomalies in children.
- These anomalies can lead to severe neurological deficits if not managed promptly.
- Type III spinal AVMs, also known as juvenile AVMs, present unique management challenges.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with tetraparesis.
- The tetraparesis was secondary to a spinal arteriovenous malformation type III (Juvenile AVM).
- The patient exhibited rapidly deteriorating neurological signs.
Findings:
- The case necessitated conservative management due to the absence of advanced neurosurgical and interventional radiological services.
- This approach was adopted due to resource limitations within the facility and sub-region.
- The conservative strategy aimed to mitigate further neurological decline.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for accessible advanced neurosurgical and interventional radiological services for pediatric spinal AVMs.
- Underscores the challenges and potential poor outcomes associated with conservative management of aggressive pediatric spinal AVMs.
- Emphasizes the importance of regional resource planning for specialized pediatric neurovascular care.
Abstract:
Spinal arteriovenous malformations are rare vascular anomalies within the paediatric age group. These anomalies are associated with devastating consequences and require prompt management to prevent the long-term neurological sequelae. We report a case of a 10-year-old boy with tetraparesis secondary to spinal arterio- venous malformation type III (Juvenile AVM) with rapidly deteriorating neurological signs who had to be managed conservatively due to lack of advanced neurosurgical facilities and interventional radiological services in our facility and sub region.
