Abstract

The clinical, angiographic, and operative findings in 16 patients with a spinal angioma are reviewed, and the results of surgery are assessed. The surgical procedure employed in 15 patients consisted of excision of the fistulous portion of the malformation, achieved by intradural ligation of its feeding vessels and excision of its draining veins throughout the limits of the exposure. In 14 patients, a previously progressive deterioration in their clinical condition was arrested by surgical correction of the malformation and in 12 of these patients there was worthwhile improvement in functional capacity. The optimal time for surgical treatment is considered and suggestions are made for the manner in which patients should be investigated.