The Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula in a Patient With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cureus. 2021 May 28;13(5):e15303. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15303.

Abstract

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is an elusive and underdiagnosed disease. Congestive myelopathy occurs from increased venous pressure transmitted by the fistula between a radiculomeningeal artery and the spinal venous plexus. While its cause remains unknown, associations between SDAVF and hyper-vascular states have been reported. We present the first documented case report of a de novo SDAVF diagnosis in a patient with active renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastasis to the spinal epidural space and review the literature.

Keywords: congestive myelopathy; embolization; epidural metastasis; renal cell carcinoma; spinal dural arteriovenous fistula; vascular endothelial growth factor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports