Spinal cord arteriovenous malformation presenting as chest pain in a child

Abstract

Study design: A case report of spinal arteriovenous malformation presented as chest pain in a child. Objectives: To illustrate the atypical clinical presentation as right chest pain in a child with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation. Setting: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan. Case report: An 8-year-old boy was diagnosed with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation after paraplegia. However, early diagnosis was delayed for the atypical initial clinical presentation as chest pain. After surgery and rehabilitation for 6 months, the patient could walk without assistance. Conclusions: Correct diagnosis of spinal cord arteriovenous malformations is sometimes difficult in children with atypical presentations. Early diagnosis relies on detailed examination and high index of suspicion. © 2008 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reserved.