Dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking temporal arteritis

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2019 Jan:176:44-46. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2018.11.021. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Abstract

Introduction: Dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is a very rare disease characterized by an abnormal vascular communication between arteries and veins in dural mater. It frequently presents with intracranial haemorrhage. Common presenting symptoms are headache and seizures.

Case report: Here we report a case of dAVF in which the patient's symptoms mimic a temporal arteritis in a 23-year-old woman. She presented with painful mass at forehead for 9 months with frontotemporal headache. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated dural arteriovenous fistula.

Conclusion: Since both diseases have different prognosis but similar presentation, it is important to ensure that there is no dural arteriovenous fistula in patient with suspected temporal arteritis.

Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula; Headache; Superficial temporal artery; Temporal arteritis; dura.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / surgery
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / surgery*
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / surgery*
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods
  • Dura Mater / surgery*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / surgery*
  • Headache / surgery
  • Humans
  • Veins / surgery
  • Young Adult