Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with intramedullary cord hemorrhage

Abstract

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) consists of an acquired arteriovenous shunt between a dural artery and perimedullary veins.1 This results in arterialization of radicular veins, venous hypertension, and decreased spinal cord perfusion.1 The condition has a male predominance and presents as a myelopathy in the fifth or sixth decade. Initial misdiagnosis is common.1–3 We present a man with a SDAVF and associated intramedullary cord hemorrhage.