Surgical treatment and outcome of spinal arteriovenous malformations

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Andhika Yudistira, Syaifullah Asmiragani, Ery Satriawan, H.B. Muammar

2024 Medicinski Glasnik Vol. 21 Issue 2 Article Cited by 0 Quartile

Abstract

Aim A rare and diverse set of abnormalities formed by spinal blood arteries known as spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has a higher risk of haemorrhage and mor-bidity, causing the shunting of blood from veins with an aberrant capillary bed to arter-ies. Knowledge of the vascular anatomy of spinal AVMs and the spinal cord's vascular supply is crucial to its therapy. The aim of this study was to report a case of SAVM heal-ing after surgical excision, highlighting the importance of surgical excision in treating these rare lesions. Methods A 56-year-old male with progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness and numbness was diagnosed with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation (SAVM). A thoracolumbar spine MRI was performed, and a vascular lesion was found. The feeding artery was coagulated and incised, and the surrounding hematoma was removed. Spinal cord arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed postoperatively. The Oswestry Disabil-ity Index (ODI) and the SF-36 questionnaires assessed functional outcomes and physical functioning in individuals with acute or chronic low back pain. Results In the reported case, the aneurysm showed spontaneous regression at follow-up after surgical removal of the AVM. Post-surgery rehabilitation improved his motor function. After seven months, he showed 90% physical functioning, 75% emotional well-being, 75% social functioning, 87.5% pain, and 55% general health. He could walk with a walking aid and perform daily activities. Conclusion Treatment strategies for AVM-related spinal aneurysms should be carefully considered. Surgical treatment in several conditions has advantages and is reported to have good outcomes. © 2024, Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton. All rights reserved.

Affiliations

Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya – Saiful Anwar General Hospital, East Java, Malang, Indonesia