Surgical Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations: Delayed Complications, Long-term Outcomes, and Association with Cryptic Venous Malformations

Abstract

The frequent coexistence of IMSC cavernous malformations with cryptic venous malformations in this series indicates a need for operative vigilance to preserve these venous anomalies. Delayed complications were the result of incomplete resection. The resultant hemorrhage required reexploration, which led to tethering of the spinal cord. Most patients who underwent resection, however, had improved neurologically at long-term follow-up.