Dural Arteriovenous Fistula-Derived Parkinsonism Symptoms: A Case Report with Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: Parkinsonism caused by dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is very rare, however, it is reversible by endovascular treatment. We herein report a case of parkinsonism caused by DAVF with review of previous literature.

Case Presentation: An 87-year-old woman with parkinsonism and dementia was admitted to our hospital with disturbance of consciousness and aggravated parkinsonism symptoms. Plain CT revealed low-density areas in the brainstem and left cerebellar peduncle. Magnetic resonance images revealed hyperintense lesions on FLAIR, which had elevated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, in the same lesion of plain CT. However, no edematous change was detected. CT angiograms revealed obstruction of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Dilations of the left superior petrosal sinus, left petrosal vein, and pontine veins were also noted. A low-density area on plain CT had a contrast effect. Cerebral angiography revealed a DAVF involving the left transverse sinus and fed by the left occipital and left middle meningeal arteries. Transarterial embolization (TAE) with Onyx obliterated the DAVF, and parkinsonism symptoms gradually improved. We reviewed 21 DAVF-derived parkinsonism cases, most of which were treated by TAE. Recent cases were treated with Onyx. In many cases, parkinsonism improved after endovascular treatment.

Conclusion: DAVF-derived parkinsonism is rare but treatable by endovascular therapy. DAVF should be one of the differential diagnosis of the parkinsonisms.