Subdural hematoma from a type I spinal arteriovenous malformation - Case report

The authors report a patient in whom a subdural hematoma developed from a T ype I spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The patient became symptomat ic with back pain, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spinal subdura l hematoma. Selective spinal angiography, however, failed to demonstrate a pathological process. The patient underwent exploratory laminoplasty that r evealed a subdural extraarachnoid hematoma with an underlying Type I spinal AVM, which was surgically obliterated. The patient recovered completely. S ubdural hematomas that affect the spine are rare. Although a negative resul t was obtained using selective spinal angiography, exploratory surgery shou ld be considered for the evacuation of a subdural hematoma and possibly for the definitive treatment of a spinal AVM.