Acute quadriparesis caused by spinal arteriovenous malformation: a case report

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the spinal cord are relatively rare lesions, especially in the cervical region. Here we report a case of cervical spinal AVM with hemorrhage in a young man who developed acute quadriparesis during exercise. For spinal AVM, emergent spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful screening tool, and angiography can provide the most important diagnostic information. The emergency physician should have a high index of suspicion for diagnosis and appropriate management of this rare condition. Early diagnosis and management is essential to preserve neurologic functioning.