Multiple spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Abstract

Multiple spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have been rarely reported and only two such cases are found in the literature. A 71-year-old man complained of muscle weakness and hypesthesia in both legs and angiographically diagnosed as thoracic DAVF. The fistula was surgically treated, however, the symptoms recurred 14 months after the first treatment. Angiography revealed a new fistula in the lumbar region and this was also treated surgically. In the previously reported cases of multiple spinal DAVFs, the second fistulas were also diagnosed after the initial treatment. Symptomatic patients after the initial treatment of DAVF should be re-examined angiographically.