Spinal Arteriovenous Lesions: A Review of Imaging Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Spinal arteriovenous lesions are rare but can cause significant morbidity if not diagnosed appropriately. Unfortunately, these uncommon spinal vascular conditions produce nonspecific neurologic symptoms. The major clue to diagnosis is often on the initial spine MR imaging, which emphasizes the neuroradiologist's role in suggesting the diagnosis of a spinal arteriovenous lesion. Fortunately, these vascular anomalies are frequently treatable, albeit technically challenging, with an endovascular and/or surgical approach.

Learning Objective: To understand normal spinal vascular anatomy as well as the imaging features and treatment options for spinal arteriovenous fistulas, spinal arteriovenous malformations, and spinal vascular neoplasms.