Conus medullary arteriovenous malformation mimicking intramedullary tumor: a case report

Abstract Background Vascular malformation of the spine accounted for 3–4% all intradural lesions. Spinal arteriovenous (AVM) is often missed because overlapping symptoms with other pathology and ambiguous imaging. Here, we report a conus medullary AVM that mimics intramedullary tumours either from clinical findings or MR Case presentation We 24-year-old man left foot monoparesis, paresthesia, intermittent claudication last 3 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed strongly enhanced lesion hypointense signal on T1-weighted images hyperintense T2-weighted without flow void, suggesting an tumour ependymoma. Left-sided hemilaminectomy was performed, revealing medullary. Microsurgical resection performed by subsequently ligating arterial feeder draining vein using temporary clip. Improvement neurological status postoperative sequelae noted. Conclusions Because similarity in epidemiology, symptoms, progression, imaging, suspicion spinal should remain. This case highlights appropriate meticulous surgical can preserve patient's function.