Visual loss and rapidly progressive neurocognitive dysfunction in dural arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

AbstractDural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is a rare type of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. The occurrence of visual loss with rapidly progressive cognitive dysfunction caused by dAVF has rarely been reported. Ocular signs are also unusual in the presentation of cranial dAVF at locations other than the cavernous sinus. We report a case of a young lady who presented with rapidly progressive visual loss and cognitive decline due to venous hypertensive encephalopathy, later found to have cranial dAVF. It was diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Recognizing rapidly progressive cognitive dysfunction in dAVF is of paramount importance as it is among one of the treatable causes of rapidly progressive dementia.