Pediatric spinal vascular malformations: Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Spinal vascular malformations in children differ in several ways from those found in adults. Genetic syndromes are more common in the pediatric population. Onset of symptoms and clinical presentation is often more acute than in adults. Angioarchitecture of the various spinal vascular malformations differs from adults, with relative overrepresentation of perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas and nidal arteriovenous malformations and a dearth of dural fistulas. Fortunately, excellent results can often be obtained with endovascular or surgical intervention. This review will briefly examine the anatomy, genetics, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, and outcomes of spinal vascular malformations in children.

Keywords

Spinal cord - vascular malformation - pediatric - endovascular