Exclusively epidural spinal metameric arteriovenous shunts: case report and literature review

Background contextSpinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome (SAMS) is a subgroup of spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Most SAMS cases have intra- and extradural AVMs and suffer from hematomyelia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or venous congestive myelopathy.PurposeTo present a rare case of SAMS in which spinal AVMs were exclusively epidural. We reviewed previous literature and evaluated the feasibility of a treatment strategy using endovascular interventions, followed by surgical obliteration.Study designA case report and literature review of SAMS.MethodsWe report a case of a 15-year-old boy suffering from SAMS in which epidural venous ectasia because of extradural AVMs caused spinal cord compression.ResultsThe patient was successfully treated with multiple sessions of transarterial embolization followed by open surgery. After the treatment, his neurologic deficits resolved. Postoperative angiography confirmed complete obliteration of extradural AVMs.ConclusionsAlthough exclusively epidural spinal AVM is an uncommon type of SAMS, combined endovascular and surgical interventions can be an effective treatment for AVMs to achieve better radiologic outcomes and complete resolution of patient symptoms.