Surgical ligation of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are abnormal arteriovenous shunts between a radicular artery and the radicular vein, located in the dorsal surface of the dura sleeve, which drains in a retrograde manner into the coronal venous plexus of the spinal cord without an interposed capillary network. This result is a venous hypertension that reduces spinal cord perfusion and leads to ischemia and edema. Spontaneous resolution is extremely rare and, once symptomatic, the typical course is further progression with increased neurological impairment. Therefore, once a fistula is diagnosed, treatment is recommended.

Method: The fistula is placed at the level of intervertebral foramen and surgical ligation is performed through a laminectomy. After dural opening, the area is inspected, and the arterialized vein is identified and ligated.

Conclusions: Laminectomy and arteriovenous fistula ligation is a safe and reliable approach for accessing and treating spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Keywords: Arteriovenous spinal fistula; Spinal arteriovenous shunt; Spinal dural fistula treatment.