Partially trombosed glomus type spinal arteriovenous malformation: Case presentation

Abstract

Spinal AVM are very rare vascular lesions and most o the studies give reports on only a few cases. Given their localization between the spinal tracts and the gray matter core of the medulla and their multiple feeders from posterior and anterior spinal arteries they are amongst the most difficult surgical pathology in the nervous sistem. We present the case of a 60 years old male with a glomus type T10-L2 spinal AVM that presented with motor deficit in the lower limbs and urinary incontinence. The partially thrombosed lesion was completely resected without previous embolisation, and the patient was walking with assistance at discharge. This is a rare case that presented with progressive neurological deterioration consistent with an ischemic rather than a hemorrhagic event. Microsurgery is a better option than conservative treatment in these rare cases of spontaneous occlusion of intramedullary arteriovenous malformations.