Spinal cord angiography and radiocinematography in arteriovenous malformations

Spinal angiography is the method of choice to detect arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the medulla spinalis. In a series of 90 patients, 13 cases of AVM were found. Most patients had a long period of disability previous to the diagnosis. 9 patients who underwent myelography showed positive signs: obstruction or worm-shaped contrast-filling defects. 4 patients were referred after a subarachnoidal bleeding without myelography. Four different types of spinal AVM are distinguished, the combination of a spinal AVM with a vertebral hemangioma is introduced as type IV. Radiocinematography makes the work easier and shortens the procedure. No complications in 90 patients were met.