• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.348-352
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• 2014

High-flow vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VAVF) are rare complications of cervical spine surgery and characterized by iatrogenic direct-communication of the extracranial vertebral artery (VA) to the surrounding venous plexuses. The authors describe two patients with VAVF presenting with ischemic presentation after C1 pedicle screw insertion for a treatment of C2 fracture and nontraumatic atlatoaxial subluxation. The first patient presented with drowsy consciousness with blurred vision. The diffusion MRI showed an acute infarction on bilateral cerebellum and occipital lobes. The second patient presented with pulsatile tinnitus, dysarthria and a subjective weakness and numbness of extremities. In both cases, digital subtraction angiography demonstrated high-flow direct VAVFs adjacent to C1 screws. The VAVF of the second case occurred near the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery originated from the persistent first intersegmental artery of the left VA. Both cases were successfully treated by complete occlusion of the fistulous portion and the involved segment of the left VA using endovascular coil embolization. The authors reviewed the VAVFs after the upper-cervical spine surgery including C1 screw insertion and the feasibility with the attention notes of its endovascular treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.280-285
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• 2000

Posterior transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability due to trauma or rheumatoid arthritis provides immediate rigid fixation of the C1-2 vertebral segment while preserving motion between the occiput and C1. This technique provides more resistance to translational and rotational forces than wiring technique. However, the technique of transarticular screw fixation is inherently demanding because of the complex anatomy of the occipitocervical region and vertebral artery(VA) at risk for arterial damage. VA injury may lead to serious subsequent neurological deficits and possibly death from bilateral VA injury. We report a case of a vertebral artery-to-epidural venous plexus fistula after posterior transarticular screw fixation which was treated with balloon occlusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.115-117
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• 2009

The authors report a case of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) that is supplied by a lateral sacral artery. A 73-year-old male presented with gait disturbance that had developed 3 years ago. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging suggested a possible SDAVF. Selective spinal angiography including the vertebral arteries and pelvic vessels showed the SDAVF fed by left lateral sacral artery. The patient was subsequently treated with glue embolization. Three days after the embolization procedure, his gait disturbance was much improved.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.498-500
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• 2009

Dual origin and fenestration of the vertebral artery (VA) are very rare anomalies. Understanding of these variations, however, is important because they can be misdiagnosed as a VA dissection. A 42-year-old woman presented with motor weakness and sensory disturbance of the right upper extremity. Radiologic evaluations showed ectatic change in the right VA and an arteriovenous fistula between the right VA and the vertebral vein. We decided on endovascular occlusion of the proximal right VA and its fistulous portion. During the endovascular procedure, we had misunderstood the dual origin and fenestration of the VA as a dissection. Thus, failure to recognize these anomalies might result in unnecessary anticoagulation or therapeutic intervention. Clinicians should be alert to such VA variations when making a diagnosis and when planning any intervention or surgery involving the proximal VA.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제55권3호
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• pp.152-155
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• 2014

Dural ateriovenous fistula (DAVF) at the craniocervical junction is rare. We report a patient presenting with brainstem dysfunction as an uncommon onset. Brainstem lesion was suggested by magnetic resonance image study. Angiogram revealed a DAVF at a high cervical segment supplied by the meningeal branch of the right vertebral artery, with ascending and descending venous drainage. Complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved via transarterial Onyx embolization. Clinical cure was achieved in the follow-up period; meanwhile, imaging abnormalities of this case disappeared. Accordingly, we hypothesize that a brainstem lesion of this case was caused by craniocervical DAVF, which induced venous hypertension. Thus, venous drainage patterns should be paid attention to because they are important for diagnosis and theraputic strategy.