Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous drainage (SDAVF) is a treatable, potentially reversible form of myelopathy that continues to be overlooked by clinicians and radiologists. It is still unfortunately the case that the diagnosis may only come to light when the spinal images of a patient with failed back surgery are reviewed by a neuroradiologist. An understanding of spinal cord vascular anatomy and pathology of SDAVF is essential to the safe and effective treatment of the condition.
