Mri/myelographic localization of fistulous tract in spinal dural arteriovenous malformations prior to arteriography

Objective: Our goal was to use currently available imaging methods to localize the fistulous tract of spinal dural arteriovenous malformations (SDAVMs) prior to arteriography. Materials and Methods: Two middle-aged men showed MR findings indicative of a SDAVM. In the first patient coronal T2-weighted (T2W) imaging identified the engorged draining radiculospinal vein and traced it back to the intervertebral for a men site where the “nidus” was located. Then, axial T2W imaging was performed at the level of the involved intervertebral for a men. In the second patient MRI failed to demonstrate the nidus; myelography was carried out and showed the course of the abnormal intraspinal vein. Results: Successful MR/myelographic demonstration of the nidus (Case 1) or the abnormal intraspinal vein (Case 2) simplified and abbreviated the later studies. Conclusion: With MRI and/or myelography we were able to localize the site of the fistulous tract in the two cases of SDAVM prior to spinal arteriography.