Embolization of Sacral Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

The authors report 2 cases of sacral dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presenting with gradual neurologic decline characterized by progressive lower extremity weakness and bowel and bladder incontinence. Spinal angiography demonstrated a sacral dural AVF with perimedullary vein engorgement and drainage extending to the level of the cervical spine in both cases. The fistulas were completely obliterated with n-BCA (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) embolic agent in one case, and with ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx) in the second, resulting in improvement of the symptoms in both patients. The unique features of this case report include the rare location of the fistula's origin, the necessity for complete spinal angiography, and the use of intraoperative monitoring in one case to guide embolization treatment.