Diagnostic, clinical management, and outcomes in patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the spine that can cause spinal cord damage. This study analyzes the outcomes of patients treated for SDAVFs at a university hospital. The study reviewed the medical records of 81 patients who underwent either surgical or endovascular treatment for SDAVF between 2002 and 2023, looking at demographics, diagnostic history, treatment characteristics, and clinical outcomes. The findings suggest that both surgical and endovascular treatments can be safe and effective in improving symptoms like pain, motor deficits, gait disturbances, and bowel/bladder dysfunction, but sensory disturbances may not improve.

• 1
  SDAVF occurs more frequently in men, typically in their 60s, and diagnosis is often delayed, averaging about 12 months from the onset of symptoms.
• 2
  Gait disturbance was the most common initial symptom, followed by sensory disturbances. The lower thoracic region was the most frequent location of the fistula.
• 3
  Surgical and endovascular treatments can safely and effectively improve symptoms such as pain and motor deficits, gait disturbances, as well as bowel and bladder dysfunction, but not sensory disturbances.