Complications of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Overview

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), also known as dural arteriovenous malformations, are abnormal connections between arteries and veins within the dura mater, which is the outermost layer covering the brain and spinal cord. DAVFs can lead to a variety of complications, but early treatment can help prevent these. Here are some common complications associated with DAVFs:

• Venous hypertension: DAVFs can cause venous hypertension, which means that the blood pressure in the veins is higher than normal. This can result in venous insufficiency, where the veins have trouble returning blood back to the heart.
• Bleeding: Veins have very thin walls, and in some cases, the wall of a vein in a DAVF may rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening bleeding in the body.
• Steal syndrome: Steal syndrome occurs when oxygen levels are reduced in the affected area due to large amounts of blood passing through the DAVF. This can lead to tissue death and damage.
• Neurological deficits: DAVFs can cause neurological deficits such as cognitive impairment, dementia, seizures, dysphasia (difficulty speaking), headaches, vision changes, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and subtle cognitive deficits.
• Myelopathy: In spinal DAVFs, there may be spinal cord swelling that manifests as insidiously progressive or fluctuating myelopathy. This can result in symptoms like lower extremity peripheral neuropathies (changes in sensation), pain, exertional leg weakness, and severe myelopathy with paraplegia (weakness or paralysis).

Remember that every individual case is unique, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in vascular disorders for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.