neurologic disorders
Spinal Cord Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
Key Points
Arteriovenous malformations may be small and localized or may affect up to half the cord. AVMs may compress nerve roots (causing pain down the distribution of a nerve root) or the spinal cord (causing segmental neurologic deficits that gradually progress or that wax and wane); they may rupture (causing sudden, severe back pain and sudden segmental neurologic deficits). Diagnose using MRI, followed by magnetic resonance angiography, then selective arteriography. If spinal cord function is threatened, treat surgically. 