Chronic venous congestion following embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

The authors present a case of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with fluctuations in symptoms following embolization. Superselective injection of 33% N-butyl cyanoacrylate, into the feeding vessel resulted in the complete occlusion of the fistula with traversal of the nidus. The subsequent venous congestion was progressive and treatable with antithrombin therapy. Extended medication with dual antiplatelet therapy was required because dose reduction to aspirin monotherapy worsened symptoms. In this case, it took > 2 months for the patient's symptoms to stabilize. The duration of progressive venous thrombosis after embolization of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula is not well known, nor is the most adequate treatment. Although it is presumed that prevention of venous thrombosis is best achieved with anticoagulation, dual antiplatelet therapy can be a substitute for patients with poor compliance.