Spinal arteriovenous malformations: new classification and surgical treatment

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri P. Zozulya ◽  
Eugene I. Slin'ko ◽  
Iyad I. Al-Qashqish

Object Spinal vascular malformations represent rare and insufficiently studied pathological entities characterized by considerable variation. Insufficient study of this disease is connected with the complexity of its diagnosis, which restricts the development of surgical treatments that are differentiated according to the type of malformation. Great difficulties are caused by the lack of a clear structural–hemodynamic classification of spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). At present the classification created between 1991 and 1998 by the combined efforts of different authors is the most widely used one. According to this classification, four categories are distinguishable: Type I, dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs); Type II, intramedullary glomus AVMs; Type III, juvenile or combined AVMs; and Type IV, intradural perimedullary AVFs. Vascular tumors are also classified, as follows: hemangiomas, hemangioblastomas, angiosarcomas, hemangiopericytomas, angiofibromas, angiolipomas, and hemangioendotheliomas, as well as cavernous malformations. Methods In this study the authors analyze the diagnostic data and results of treatment in 91 patients with AVMs and AVFs who were treated at the Institute of Neurosurgery between 1995 and 2005. The patients' ages ranged from 9 to 83 years; the mean age was 42.9 years. For spinal vascular malformations we devised a classification that took into account the aforementioned features of AVMs: the anatomical characteristics of a malformation and its angiostructural and hemodynamic features. In all patients the neuroimaging modalities used in the investigation of their lesions included magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and selective spinal angiography. Three-dimensional computerized tomography angiography studies were obtained in 14 patients, and MR angiography was used in 17. Conclusions For successful surgical treatment of spinal AVMs it is necessary to obtain data about their localization, vascular structure, and hemodynamics that are as complete as possible. This information will promote the use of optimum surgical procedures and the latest methods of microsurgical and endovascular interventions, with treatments differentiated according to the type of malformation. One should try to use the least invasive endovascular approach in these cases,where possible, to occlude the AVM or reduce the intensity of blood flow by means of embolization. To perform an AVM resection or occlusion, one should use a direct approach to the malformation, blocking only the vessels supplying blood to the malformation and preserving the vessels feeding the spinal cord.

Author(s):  
Ji Y. Chong ◽  
Michael P. Lerario

Spinal vascular malformations are rare, with dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) accounting for the majority of the pathology. Unlike spinal arteriovenous malformations, which cause abrupt neurological change as a result of hemorrhage, spinal dural AVFs tend to result in a progressive myelopathy through venous congestion and cord edema. If diagnosed and treated early with endovascular embolization or microsurgery, some deficits may be reversible.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giacomo Talenti ◽  
Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Giacomo Cester ◽  
Alessandro Della Puppa ◽  
Roberto Faggin ◽  
...  

Spinal vascular malformations are uncommon yet important spinal pathologies commonly classified in congenital and acquired lesions. Spinal lipomas consist of three subtypes: intramedullary lipomas, lipomyelo(meningo)celes and lipomas of the filum. Although the association of spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) with other congenital anomalies is well known, the coexistence of dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and tethered spinal cord is exceptionally rare and only eight cases have been reported. We present two cases from our institution and speculate on the possible origin of such a rare but insidious association. We review the current literature with a focus on possible pitfalls in diagnosis and treatment.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Manjunath ◽  
Sujan Shetty ◽  
Ninad J. Moon ◽  
Bhushan Sharma ◽  
Kiran Kumar Metta ◽  
...  

Vascular anomalies are a heterogeneous group of congenital blood vessel disorders more typically referred to as birthmarks. Subcategorized into vascular tumors and malformations, each anomaly is characterized by specific morphology, pathophysiology, clinical behavior, and management approach. Hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors. Lymphatic, capillary, venous, and arteriovenous malformations make up the majority of vascular malformations. Arteriovenous malformation of the head and neck is a rare vascular anomaly but when present is persistent and progressive in nature and can represent a lethal benign disease. Here we present a case report of a 25-year-old male patient with arteriovenous malformation involving the base of tongue.


2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Fernando Gonzalez ◽  
Gregory P. Lekovic ◽  
Jennifer Eschbacher ◽  
Stephen Coons ◽  
Randall W. Porter ◽  
...  

✓Cavernous hemangiomas that occur within the cavernous sinus (CS) are different from cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) clinically, on imaging studies, and in their response to treatment. Moreover, CMs are true vascular malformations, whereas hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors. Because of these differences, the authors suggest that these two entities be analyzed and grouped separately. Unfortunately, despite these differences, much confusion exists in the literature as to the nature, behavior, and classification of these two distinct lesions. This confusion is exacerbated by subtle histological differences and the inconsistent use of nomenclature. The authors use the term “cavernous malformation” to refer to intraaxial lesions only; they prefer to use the term “cavernous sinus hemangioma” to refer to extraaxial, intradural hemangiomas of the CS.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Spetzler ◽  
Paul W. Detwiler ◽  
Howard A. Riina ◽  
Randall W. Porter

The literature on spinal vascular malformations contains a great deal of confusing terminology. Some of the nomenclature is inconsistent with the lesions described. Based on the experience of the senior author (R.F.S.) in the treatment of more than 130 spinal cord vascular lesions and based on a thorough review of the relevant literature, the authors propose a modified classification system for spinal cord vascular lesions. Lesions are divided into three primary or broad categories: neoplasms, aneurysms, and arteriovenous lesions. Neoplastic vascular lesions include hemangioblastomas and cavernous malformations, both of which occur sporadically and familially. The second category consists of spinal aneurysms, which are rare. The third category, spinal cord arteriovenous lesions, is divided into arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Arteriovenous fistulas are subdivided into those that are extradural and those that are intradural, with intradural lesions categorized as either dorsal or ventral. Arteriovenous malformations are subdivided into extradural-intradural and intradural malformations. Intradural lesions are further divided into intramedullary, intramedullary-extramedullary, and conus medullaris, a new category of AVM. This modified classification system for vascular lesions of the spinal cord, based on pathophysiology, neuroimaging features, intraoperative observations, and neuroanatomy, offers several advantages. First, it includes all surgical vascular lesions that affect the spinal cord. Second, it guides treatment by classifying lesions based on location and pathophysiology. Finally, it eliminates the confusion produced by the multitude of unrelated nomenclatural terms found in the literature.


2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. E15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walavan Sivakumar ◽  
Gabriel Zada ◽  
Parham Yashar ◽  
Steven L. Giannotta ◽  
George Teitelbaum ◽  
...  

Object Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are the most common spinal vascular malformations and can be a significant cause of myelopathy, yet remain inefficiently diagnosed lesions. Over the last several decades, the treatment of spinal DAVFs has improved tremendously due to improvements in neuroimaging, microsurgical, and endovascular techniques. The aim of this paper was to review the existing literature regarding the clinical characteristics, classification, and endovascular management of spinal DAVFs. Methods A search of the PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine and reference lists of all relevant articles was conducted to identify all studies pertaining to spinal DAVFs, spinal dural fistulas, and spinal vascular malformations, with particular attention to endovascular management and outcomes. Results The ability to definitively treat spinal DAVFs using endovascular embolization has significantly improved over the last several decades. Overall rates of definitive embolization of spinal DAVFs have ranged between 25 and 100%, depending in part on the embolic agent used and the use of variable stiffness microcatheters. The majority of recent studies in which N-butyl cyanoacrylate or other liquid embolic agents were used have reported success rates of 70–90%. Surgical treatment remains the definitive option in cases of failed embolization, repeated recanalization, or lesions not amenable to embolization. Clinical outcomes have been comparable to surgical treatment when the fistula and draining vein remain persistently occluded. Improvements in gait and motor function are more likely following successful treatment, whereas micturition symptoms are less likely to improve. Conclusions Endovascular embolization is an increasingly effective therapy in the treatment of spinal DAVFs, and can be used as a definitive intervention in the majority of patients that undergo modern endovascular intervention. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of these lesions is required, as surgery is required for refractory cases or those not amenable to embolization. Newer embolic agents, such as Onyx, hold significant promise for future therapy, yet long-term follow-up studies are required.


Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 2020-2028
Author(s):  
Marie-Paule Wautier ◽  
Bernadette Boval ◽  
Olivier Chappey ◽  
Odile Enjolras ◽  
Nicolas Wernert ◽  
...  

Vascular malformations are frequent in newborns, and they persist throughout life, which differentiates them from vascular tumors (eg, hemangiomas). Arteriovenous malformations are high-flow vascular malformations. They are considered nonmalignant but can expand and become a significant clinical risk when extensive. To characterize endothelial cells from arteriovenous malformations (AMEC), we cultured cells obtained from surgical specimens and studied their properties. After selection, the cells that grew out from explants had phenotypic and antigenic features (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor) of human endothelial cells. Their spontaneous proliferation rate was higher (1.8 to 6.4 times) than that of human umbilical vein, arterial, or microvascular endothelial cells. The proliferation rate of AMEC was not sensitive to the inhibitory activity of various cytokines (interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-, transforming growth factor-β, Interferon-γ). In basal conditions, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) was detected at a higher level of expression (6- to 10-fold) on AMEC, but these cells failed to express E-selectin or the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) after cytokine stimulation. Expression of c-ets-1 proto-oncogene was shown by in situ hybridization. The low response to cytokines, the higher propensity to proliferate, and the ets-1 expression suggest that AMEC have a defective regulation of proliferation that may be due to a reduced apoptotic process.


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