The efficacy of CT arteriography for spinal arteriovenous fistula surgery: technical note.

We performed helical computed tomography with contrast injection into feeding arteries through a selectively introduced microcatheter to provide precise definition of the vascular and bony structure of the spine in patients with spinal arteriovenous fistula. This selective CT arteriography reliably showed structures including abnormal epi- and intradural feeding arteries, the fistula, perimedullary draining veins and surrounding vertebrae preoperatively with a minimal contrast medium load. This technique can facilitate safe, minimally invasive surgical obliteration of the fistula and a favorable outcome.