Transverse Myelitis Caused by Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

Abstract

Spinal cord pathology is a diverse topic with a broad range of causes. Etiologies include trauma, inflammatory processes, infections, vascular disease, neoplasm, degenerative conditions and toxin exposure. Regardless of etiology, spinal pathology often presents as rapidly progressive paraparesis. Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rare, acute segmental inflammatory spinal cord disorder characterized with motor, sensory, and/or autonomic dysfunction. This process usually occurs post-infection, but may also be related to acute neuro-inflammatory disorders. This paper will present a case of TM refractory to medication and describe the diagnosis of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (SDAVF). SDAVF is a rare condition in which there is an arteriovenous fistula formed on the dural surface of the spinal cord which typically drains via retrograde flow through the medullary vein, thereby causing enlargement of coronal venous plexus.