Abstract
A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) presenting with parkinsonism and dementia is rare; thus, is easily misdiagnosed. The present study reports the case of a 62-year-old male with mobility disabilities and a cognitive disorder. The initial symptoms were progressive symmetrical limb stiffness and weakness without significant limb tremor, and subsequently the appearance of progressive memory loss, behavioral abnormalities and a decline in the activities of daily living. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enlarged vascular shadow at the meninges of the left temporal lobe. In addition, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a DAVF in the left temporal region, fed by the bilateral middle meningeal arteries and meningeal branches of the vertebral artery, which were enlarged abnormally, with poor venous reflux to the superior sagittal sinus. The patient was treated with transarterial embolization therapy. Intraoperative angiography showed almost complete embolization of the DAVF. At day 3 following the surgery, the muscle tension of the bilateral limbs decreased significantly. After two weeks, the memory ability of the patient had recovered to the level prior to the onset, and the gait was stable. At one month post-surgery, the patient was able to take care of himself completely, and after three months, a stereotactic treatment was conducted for the residual fistula. At the one year follow-up, neurological examination revealed that the patient had recovered normally. In conclusion, progressive parkinsonism and dementia with an abnormal flow void shadow on cranial MRI films should be considered as a possible diagnosis of a DAVF. In these cases, DSA and endovascular treatment are recommended as soon as possible.
Highlights
A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) refers to an abnormal direct blood connection between an intracranial artery and the dural venous sinus, and accounts for 10‐15% of all intracranial vascular malformations [1]
The present study reports the case of a DAVF manifesting as parkinsonism and dementia, and reviews the relevant literature
DAVFs are mainly fed by the external carotid artery; the internal carotid and meningeal branches of the vertebral artery can be involved
Summary
A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) refers to an abnormal direct blood connection between an intracranial artery and the dural venous sinus, and accounts for 10‐15% of all intracranial vascular malformations [1]. The main treatment for DAVF is endovascular embolization [2]. At two weeks prior to admission, the patient presented with aggravated limb stiffness and weakness, walking instability (rushing forward and difficulty stopping when walking), memory loss (the performance of forgetting commonly used figures and short‐term memory loss), apathy and urinary incontinence. The patient had been hospitalized at a local hospital and was diagnosed with cerebral infarction and Parkinson's disease; no treatment was administered after improving the circulation and anti‐Parkinson therapy. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a DAVF in the left temporal region, fed by the bilateral middle meningeal arteries and meningeal branches of the vertebral artery, which were enlarged abnormally, with poor venous reflux to the superior sagittal sinus (Fig. 2A and B). The patient was diagnosed with a left temporal DAVF
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