Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula mistaken as cervical transverse myelitis.

Abstract

We describe a man with an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula that presented as a subacute longitudinally extensive cervical myelopathy. The uncommon location of the fistula and the absence of specific radiological signs resulted in initial misdiagnosis as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Neurologists should have a high index of suspicion for dural arteriovenous fistula in older men, especially those with subacute or chronic symptoms, acellular cerebrospinal fluid and, particularly, if there is neurological deterioration soon after corticosteroid treatment. Patients need early angiography to identify this treatable cause of myelopathy.

• Authors: Gowri A Peethambar, Daniel H Whittam, Saif Huda, Sundus Alusi, Mani Puthuran, Arun Chandran, Paul R Eldridge, Anu Jacob
• Journal: Practical neurology (Pract Neurol) Vol. 19 Issue 3 Pg. 264-267 (Jun 2019) ISSN: 1474-7766 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 30518532 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Topics

• Arteriovenous Fistula (complications, diagnosis, pathology)
• Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations (diagnosis, pathology)
• Cerebral Angiography (methods)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Dura Mater (pathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myelitis, Transverse (complications, diagnosis, pathology)
• Spinal Cord Diseases (diagnosis, etiology, pathology)