Spinal arteriovenous malformations: advances in therapeutic embolization.

Five patients with spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) supplied at least in part by the anterior spinal artery were treated by embolization. Complete occlusion of the malformations was obtained without complication in all patients. Improved endovascular treatment of spinal AVMs is now possible with the use of calibrated particles of polyvinyl alcohol, serial digital subtraction angiography, and temporary balloon occlusion of the vertebral artery in cervical AVMs supplied by a pedicle arising from the vertebral artery.