Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal cord vascular malformations with an emphasis on the cervical spine.
Spinal vascular malformations (AVMs) are rare but important causes of treatable myelopathies. Recent advances in the interventional neuroradiology and neurosurgical techniques have improved the delineation and classification of these heterogeneous lesions. Because MR imaging usually is the first screening test for patients with myelopathy, the neuroradiologist must have a high level of knowledge of the common imaging characteristics of these lesions. This article reviews MR angiographic literature about spinal AVMs, Type I-IV AVMs and cervical Type I AVMs, describes their pathophysiology and common imaging characteristics, and elaborates on differences in cervical location from more typical positions.
Bemporad
J A
JA
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Sze
G
G
D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology