ibrain, 2022 · DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12070 · Published: October 8, 2022
This case report discusses a rare instance where a spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the epidural space mimicked acute transverse myelitis (ATM). This misdiagnosis led to initial treatment for ATM before the actual AVM was discovered. The patient, a 25-year-old man, experienced rapid paralysis and numbness in his lower limbs, initially diagnosed as ATM. However, further investigation revealed a mass, which was later identified as an AVM. Surgical intervention to remove the AVM led to significant improvement in the patient's motor and sensory functions. This highlights the importance of considering AVMs in cases of sudden spinal cord dysfunction.
Clinicians should consider spinal AVMs in the differential diagnosis of acute spinal cord dysfunction, especially when initial treatments for conditions like ATM are ineffective.
Emphasize the use of both MRI and angiography for accurate diagnosis of spinal AVMs, as MRI findings can be atypical or misleading.
Early surgical intervention is recommended for patients with rapidly progressing neurological deterioration due to spinal AVMs to prevent permanent damage and improve outcomes.