Radial Nerve Palsy following Endovascular Embolization of an Arteriovenous Malformation

Background Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are commonly treated using endovascular techniques. Previous nerve palsies after embolization have been reported as isolated case reports, none of which affected the forearm. Case Description A case of acute, transient neuropathy of the radial nerve following embolization of a forearm AVM is described. The patient, an otherwise healthy 27-year-old man, began having symptoms of superficial radial nerve (SRN) and posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsies immediately following endovascular embolization. He underwent decompression of the radial nerve within 5 days and was found to have direct compression of the PIN and SRN. The patient recovered completely at the time of his 7-month follow-up. Literature Review Few cases of nerve palsy after endovascular embolization have been reported in the literature. Many are intracranial, but rare instances of peripheral nerve palsy have been reported, including two sciatic nerve and four digital nerve palsies after endovascular embolization. No cases of peripheral nerve palsy in the forearm have been reported. Clinical Relevance We recommend careful consideration of surrounding neural elements at risk for palsy prior to endovascular embolization and detailed discussion with the patient during the informed consent process.