Management of Spinal Arteriovenous Fistulae with Intraarterial Indocyanine Green Angiography: A Case Report

Abstract

We describe herein intraoperative effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) video angiography to confirm dural arteriovenous fistulae. A 62-year-old man with a residual symptomatic dural arteriovenous fistula that was previously embolized at another institution is presented. On neurological examination, the motor strength in his both lower extremities was documented as grade 4 and the patella reflex was slightly increased. After verifying the presence of abnormal early venous drainage and retrograde flow with indocyanine green video angiography, the fistula was repaired. Postoperatively there was no additional neurologic deficit. Five days after the operation, the patient was discharged. Intraoperative ICG video angiography provides non-invasive and real-time information, reduction of spinal cord ischemic damage, rapid identification of feeding artery and confirmation of its complete disconnection during surgery, reduction of operative time, and improved outcome with no radiation hazard.