Emergent Presentation And Management Of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas And Vascular Lesions

Spinal vascular malformations are complex lesions that may not be immediately recognized by their clinical presentation. Although symptoms are usually insidious in onset, they can present acutely with sudden myelopathy, pain, or severe neurologic deficit due to vascular steal or various types of hemorrhage. Prompt radiographic work-up can expedite the diagnosis and pave the way for angiographic characterization and subsequent treatment of these lesions. Both endovascular and surgical management have been used to treat these lesions, with outcomes dependent on the individual characteristics, and thus classification, of the lesions. Prompt recognition and management can improve neurologic outcomes.