Endovascular management of vertebral arteriovenous fistulas: the Toronto experience

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the endovascular management under angiographic control of vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (AVF).

The study included a retrospective chart review.

Of the eight patients with AVF (2 traumatic, 6 spontaneous) referred to the interventional neuroradiology group at the Toronto Hospital between May 1986 and August 1994, endovascular embolization was attempted in six cases.

All cases were successful, with no residual fistula flow, mortality, or morbidity.

Vertebral AVFs are rare; therefore, most centres have had limited experience with their management. Endovascular management has proven to be less difficult and to have less morbidity than surgical management in these cases.