The Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Predicting Neurological Status Pre- and Post-Treatment of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A 22-Year Experience in a Neurovascular and Spine Center

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF) involve abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the spine, leading to venous hypertension and myelopathy. MRI is commonly used to monitor SDAVF, but the significance of MRI signs like myelopathy and flow voids in predicting patient outcomes is debated. This study investigates the predictive value of MRI findings before and after treatment of SDAVF and their correlation with the patient's neurological status.

• 1
  Pretreatment ASIA-MS (motor score) correlated with the extent of myelopathy at admission, indicating a relationship between motor function and spinal cord damage.
• 2
  Post-treatment MRI changes, such as the resolution of myelopathy or flow voids, did not correlate with clinical outcomes.
• 3
  Diagnostic sensitivity of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for localization of the fistula was 68.3%.