[Embolization of AVM's of thoracic spinal cord with histoacryl glue]

The authors present two cases of inoperable AVM's of thoracic spinal cord successfully treated by embolization with histoacryl glue (B. Brown Melsungen AG). The glue used for embolization is characterized by instant polymerization when comes in contact with blood. A mass of polymer is visible on X-ray thanks to contrast medium Lipiodol and metallic powder Tungsten that are added to glue and injected together with the latter. In the first case, a female who presented with paraparesis and walked only with assistance embolization performed in one session resulted in neurological improvement enabling independent walking at follow-up 2 yrs later. In the second case of a young male not walking for severe paraparesis embolization performed in three sessions resulted in significant neurological recovery. 10 days after the first session the patient became ambulatory. 6 months after treatment he presented with mild paraparesis and was still ambulatory and leading independent life. In each case embolization was performed after balloon occlusion test during which the function of spinal cord was monitored by somatosensory evoked potentials and neurological assessment.