Neuropyschological profile of reversible cognitive impairment in a patient with a dural arteriovenous fistula.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) may present with cognitive impairment secondary to venous hypertension or ischemia.


METHODS
We present a patient with a dAVF supplied by the posterior meningeal artery who presented with severe encephalopathy and imaging consistent with bilateral thalamic ischemia.


RESULTS
Detailed pre-operative neuropsychological testing documented severe cognitive deficits across multiple domains, localizing diffusely in the cerebral cortex, beyond that which would be expected from purely thalamic involvement. Approximately 2 months following a combined endovascular and surgical repair, repeat neuropsychological testing documented a dramatic improvement in cognitive symptoms while MRI abnormalities in the thalami resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
Detailed neuropsychological testing may be useful in patients presenting with dAVFs in order to identify cognitive impairment, which may be out of proportion to imaging findings. Recognition of dAVF-associated cognitive impairment may lead to more aggressive, timely treatment in patients with otherwise lower-risk lesions. This detailed testing can also provide a baseline in order to document cognitive recovery after fistula repair.
Racine
Caroline A
CA
Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0114, USA.
Lawton
Michael T
MT
Hetts
Steven W
SW
Josephson
S Andrew
SA
D020785:Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013788:Thalamus / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome