Digital Subtraction Angiography and Dynamic Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Arteriovenous Malformations and Hemangioblastomas of the Spinal Cord

Abstract

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and dynamic computed tomography (DCT) were used in the evaluation of five patients with surgically approachable vascular lesions of the spinal cord, including three arteriovenous malformations (AVM), one hemangioblastoma, and one lesion with a questionable radiographic-surgical diagnosis (AVM? hemangioblastoma?). Digital subtraction angiography was positive in three of the five cases and was particularly informative in the patient with hemangioblastoma, even vis a vis arteriography, which is considered the definitive diagnostic test for these lesions. Dynamic computed tomography was positive in four of the five cases. From this preliminary study, DSA and DCT appear to be useful screening and follow-up procedures which, in a number of aspects, complement each other.