Vascular Malformations of Spine

Spinal cord vascular malformations are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the spinal column due to the absence of small blood vessels or capillaries. This causes the abnormal flow of blood. Spinal vascular malformations include the malformations of the spinal cord, vertebral bodies, the tissue around the spinal cord & the spine, the bones of the spine, or a combination of these. They are serious medical issues that can even result in paralysis if left untreated The disorders include: · Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) · Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) · Spinal hemangiomas · Cavernous angiomas · Cavernous malformations · Aneurysms

Cause of Vascular malformations Although the specific cause of these congenital abnormalities is not known, the following reasons may cause vascular malformations: · Congenital abnormalities of blood vessels occur in the younger patient population · Subarachnoid hemorrhage · Increased venous pressure · Progressive damage to the spinal cord · Trauma in the older population

Diagnosis of Vascular malformations The diagnosis of malformations requires a complete history of the patient and a thorough physical and neurological examination. This along with following diagnostic tests helps the physician to appropriately treat the abnormality: · MRI · Myelography · Spinal angiography