Spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula supplied by the artery of Desproges-Gotteron: A case report with literature review

Spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) of the conus medullaris and cauda equina supplied by the artery of Desproges-Gotteron (ADG) is rare. The present study reports such a rare case and also presents a brief literature review. The patient described herein was a 31-year-old female. She suffered sudden weakness in the lower limbs, a condition which was then gradually aggravated. A physical examination revealed paraplegia, and urination and defecation difficulties. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed extensive perimedullary vein dilation with the involvement of the ADG as the main feeding artery. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed a high-flow PAVF supplied by the ADG and artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA). Microsurgical treatment under intraoperative DSA assistance was performed. The PAVF was resected, and immediately following DSA confirmed the complete removal of the PAVF. Following discharge, the patient was prescribed rehabilitation exercises and gradually recovered. A follow-up CTA and MRI confirmed that the PAVF was cured, and her modified Rankin scale score was 2. Therefore, as demonstrated herein, microsurgery with intraoperative DSA assistance may be considered an effective treatment option for PAVFs with ADG.