This is an umbrella page for a discussion of various spinal vascular malformations. Related pages, specifically written for patients and interested laypersons are found in the Patient Information Section, specifically Patient Information Spinal Dural Fistula, Patient Information Spinal AVM, Patient Information Juvenile (Metameric) AVM.
Our understanding of the various Spinal Vascular Malformations is relatively very recent, dating back to the 1970’s. Historical considerations have lumped together all diseases which have something to do with abnormal connections between arteries and veins, regardless of pathophysiology, symptomatology, treatment, or prognosis under the umbrella term of “Spinal AV malformations” In fact, the conditions so classified have rather little to do with each other. More than a few worthy classification systems of spinal AV malformations exist. While each has certain advantages, the ultimate goal of eliminating confusion and providing for a ready-reference, pathophysiologically and prognostically useful system, remains difficult to achieve.
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (Spinal dural fistula)
Spinal Arteriovenous Malformations (Spinal AVM, Spinal Metameric AVM — Juvenile AVM, Cobb syndrome, etc)
