Spinal Arteriovenous Malformations

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists), imaging specialists (radiologists) and other doctors diagnose spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM).

To diagnose spinal arteriovenous malformations, your doctor will conduct a neurological examination. Your doctor also may order several tests to diagnose your condition and rule out other conditions.

Tests may include:

• Angiography. In angiography, a doctor inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an artery in your groin and guides it to your spinal cord using X-ray imaging. A doctor injects dye into blood vessels in your spinal cord to make them visible under X-ray imaging. Your doctor uses this test to check the location and characteristics of the blood vessels feeding and draining the AVM.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses a series of images to create a detailed, three-dimensional view of your spinal cord. Sometimes a doctor may inject a dye into your arteries to view the blood vessels in greater detail (CT angiogram). Your doctor uses this test to check the location of the AVM and detect other conditions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your spinal cord. Sometimes a doctor may inject a dye into a blood vessel to view your blood vessels and show the blood circulation in your spinal cord (magnetic resonance angiogram [MRA]). An MRI shows the exact location of the arteriovenous malformation, which helps your doctor determine your treatment plan and assess your risk.

Read more about CT scan and MRI at MayoClinic.com.