Spontaneous Regression Of An Idiopathic Arteriovenous Fistula Of The Right Vertebral Artery
Choudhri, O., Dobre, M. C., Feroze, A., Sharma, N., & Do, H. M. (2018). Spontaneous regression of an idiopathic arteriovenous fistula of the right vertebral artery. Neuroradiology, 60(2), 221–223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-017-1963-3
View Original Source →Abstract
A previously healthy 53-year-old male presented with a 2-month history of pulsatile tinnitus, worsening headaches, and neck pain. Given the clinical symptoms, a workup was initiated to assess for a vascular etiology such as a dural arteriovenous fistula.
Case Details
Disease Location
Sigmoid sinuses and jugular bulbs
Personal Characteristics
53-year-old male
Clinical Characteristics
2-month history of pulsatile tinnitus, worsening headaches, and neck pain. Mr imaging demonstrated prominence of the paravertebral veins. Additionally, mr with arterial spin labeling (asl) demonstrated an abnormally high signal in the region of bilateral sigmoid sinuses and jugular bulbs, consistent with arteriovenous shunting. Diagnostic cerebral angiography confirmed a high-flow arteriovenous (av) fistula involving the right vertebral artery
Remission Characteristics
The patient noted an improvement in his tinnitus. Two weeks after the initial imaging, a cerebral angiogram completed subsequently demonstrated a complete resolution of the right-sided high-flow av fistula of the right vertebral artery.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Possible that neck turning and vertebral artery movement potentially decrease flow through the fistula, contributing to spontaneous regression
Non-Clinical Treatment
None reported