Key of Classification and Diagnosis of Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation

Abstract

Spinal arteriovenous malformation(AVM)is a rare disease in which blood is received from the spinal feeding arteries. Owing to its rarity, there is limited experience regarding its diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the various classifications that have been proposed historically make it more difficult for the young neurosurgeons to understand this disease. Because delayed initial diagnosis leads to irreversible damage of the spinal cord, neurosurgeons should always consider spinal AVM as one of the differential diagnoses. In order to understand the pathological condition of spinal AVM, it is important to learn basic classification. Spinal AVM is classified as intradural, dural, and epidural. Spinal digital subtraction angiography(DSA)is the gold-standard for the diagnosis of spinal AVM and is indispensable toolfor treatment planning. The purpose of this paper is to summarize a basic classification and diagnosis of spinal AVM.