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Vascular Malformations of the Spine

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Pediatric Vascular Neurosurgery

Abstract

Spinal vascular malformation are rare lesions and can present with signs and symptoms ranging from an insidious neurologic decline to acute deterioration depending on the type of vascular malformation and mechanism of spinal cord injury. The most widely accepted classification system is four tiered and includes: Type I, dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF); Type II, intramedullary arteriovenous malformation; Type III, juvenile arteriovenous malformation; and Type IV, intradural perimedullary arteriovenous fistula. Additional spinal vascular lesions include cavernous malformations and spinal aneurysms. Given that the natural history of these lesions in the pediatric population is poorly elucidated, treatment decisions must be individualized. In most circumstances treatment is recommended, as the natural history is believed to be one of neurologic deterioration.

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Foreman, P.M., Schmalz, P.G.R., Deveikis, J.P., Harrigan, M.R. (2021). Vascular Malformations of the Spine. In: Agrawal, A., Britz, G. (eds) Pediatric Vascular Neurosurgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74749-7_12

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