Split cord malformation with associated type IV spinal cord perimedullary arteriovenous fistula. Case report.

Abstract

The authors describe the case of a 62-year-old woman with a Type II split cord malformation (SCM). At the initial time of workup, the authors observed an associated Klippel-Feil deformity at the level of the SCM and a low-lying conus medullaris; however, they discovered an associated Type IV perimedullary spinal cord arteriovenous fistula (AVF) only after the patient continued to deteriorate following a spinal cord untethering procedure. Although prominent blood vessels have been reported within the median cleft of SCMs, an angiographically and surgically proven perimedullary AVF has not previously been described. The potential coexistence of SCM and perimedullary AVF has significant clinical implications and its recognition is critically important prior to surgical treatment.