A Rare Case of Cervical Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report

Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Jun 20;60(6):1011. doi: 10.3390/medicina60061011.

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection of vasculature resulting in capillary bed bypassing and leading to neurological deterioration and high risk of bleeding. Intramedullary AVMs in the cervical spinal cord are rare and require precise diagnostics and treatment. We present a clinical case of recurrent AVMs in a 28-year-old Caucasian female with sudden and severe neck pain and variable neurological symptoms along with current diagnostic and treatment modalities. Conservative treatment was partially effective. MRI and DSA confirmed AVMs at C4 level with subsequent several endovascular treatment sessions at the age of 15 and 24 with mild neurological improvement. Afterwards the patient underwent rehabilitation with minor neurological improvement. This case highlights the clinical progression and treatment of AVMs along with showcasing current pathophysiology, classification, and imaging.

Keywords: arteriovenous malformation surgery; cervical embolization; neurovascular disease; spinal arteriovenous malformation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Malformations* / complications
  • Arteriovenous Malformations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Cord / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / blood supply
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Spinal Cord / blood supply
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.