[Pathologic vascular malformations of the spinal cord].

Like for the intracranial level, spinal cord vascular malformations can be classified, according to their radiological (particularly arteriographic) and histological aspects, as: arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas and so-called malformations, arterial aneurysms, and venous malformations. This classification should also include the involvement of the surrounding envelopes. Clinical manifestations are not always typical. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for diagnosis, and angiography is not always necessary nowadays. Arteriovenous malformations are the most frequent vascular malformations; they are equally represented by arteriovenous fistulas of the dura mater and intradural arteriovenous malformations. Intradural cavernomas are rare as compared to arteriovenous malformations. Intradural arterial aneurysms are a rare, owing to local haemodynamic conditions. Venous malformations are exceptional; some intramedullar forms have been recently reported.