Imaging of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Spinal dural arterial venous fistulas (SDAVFs) are the most common vascular malformation of the spine. They typically present in elderly men with slowly progressive myelopathic symptoms. They often go undiagnosed because of the similar clinical presentation of more common entities in this age group. Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features of this entity, with the surgical and angiographic interventions, and with the expected postprocedural radiographic appearance. This article reviews spinal vascular anatomy, the radiographic appearances of SDAVF, techniques for finding the SDAVF, clinical presentations, treatment options, and postprocedural radiographic appearances of the spinal cord.