Endovascular management of iatrogenic vertebro-vertebral fistula: Black Swan event in C2 pedicle screw.

BACKGROUND

Vertebro-vertebral fistulas (VVF) are rare. Anatomically, they consist of an arteriovenous fistula, a direct pathological communication between vertebral veins (including the epidural vertebral venous plexus) and extradural vertebral artery. The various etiologies include trauma, iatrogenic, or spontaneous (e.g., NF-1 or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome). The clinical presentation may include acute/delayed onset of radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. They may further be characterized by the delayed onset hearing loss to tinnitus and/or the sensation of .

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report successful endovascular management for iatrogenic VVF in a 37-year-old female who was diagnosed with an odontoid fracture (Anderson type IIC). She underwent a posterior C1 lateral masses to C2 pedicle/laminar screw fixation. An intraoperative vertebro-vertebral fistulas (VVF) was recognized during the procedure and it was managed successfully with percutaneous transarterial endovascular coiling.

CONCLUSION

Iatrogenic VVF should immediately be suspected when the implant trajectory goes slightly off track during a C1-2 fixation. Immediate postoperative DSA and MRI are advisable, irrespective of whether the patient is symptomatic. These lesions are best managed with endovascular coiling with or without detachable balloons.