Multi-detector row computed tomography angiography in diagnosing spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: Initial experience

Ping Hong Lai*, Huay Ben Pan, Chien Fang Yang, Lee Ren Yen, Shu Shong Hsu, Kwo Wei Lee, Mei Jui Weng, Ming Ting Wu, Huei Lung Liang, Clement Kuen Chen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Purpose - Multi-detector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography is a recently developed imaging technique that can study small vessels such as medullary arteries and veins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MDCT angiography in diagnosing SDAVF. Methods - Eight patients with initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical findings suggestive of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) and 8 control subjects underwent MDCT angiography. Both MDCT angiography and catheter angiography were performed within 5 days in patients with SDAVFs. The results of MDCT angiography in patients with SDAVFs were compared with those of catheter angiography. Results - MDCT angiography detected engorged perimedullary draining veins and correctly localized the fistula of the SDAVFs, and correlated well with catheter angiography. Fistula was at the thoracic level in 7 patients, and sacral level in 1 patient. MDCT angiography did not visualize the engorged perimedullary venous plexus in the control group. Conclusion - MDCT angiography correlated well with catheter angiography in diagnosing SDAVFs. It might play a role in shortening the length of the catheter angiography in diagnosing this disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1562-1564
Number of pages3
JournalStroke
Volume36
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005

Keywords

  • Angiography
  • Arteriovenous fistula
  • Central nervous system
  • Computed tomography
  • Spinal cord
  • Vascular malformations

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