Rare giant traumatic cervical arteriovenous fistula in neurofibromatosis type 1 patient.

Douglas G. Hughes, Cargill H. Alleyne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Arteriovenous fistulas can rarely occur in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. These lesions typically result from traumatic insult to the dysplastic parent artery. The damaged artery forms abnormal connections with nearby paraspinal and epidural venous structures. Surgical treatment of these lesions can be extremely challenging given the proximity to the spinal cord and the ability of the fistula to recruit vessels from adjacent vascular structures. A 29-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a motor vehicle collision 2 years earlier presented with gait difficulty, lower extremity spasticity and neck and arm pain. Her investigation revealed a giant cervical vertebral arteriovenous fistula. The fistula was successfully treated in multiple stages using all endovascular techniques including detachable coils, stents and glue embolisation. Reduction in flow and improvement in symptoms are reasonable goals in this specific rare subgroup of complex cervical arteriovenous fistulae.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalBMJ Case Reports
Volume2012
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 28 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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