Embolization of an intramedullary arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord

Embolization therapy is increasingly recognized to be the treatment of choice for patients with intramedullary spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) even though in the majority of cases only partial or temporary occlusion of the AVM is achieved. The authors report a case of an 8-year-old boy who had a lower thoracic intramedullary AVM which had bled at least twice in the past. The lesion was totally obliterated by embolization over two sessions. The clinical improvement in his condition is still apparent at 6-months follow-up.