Overview
Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome (SAMS), also known as Cobb syndrome, is a rare condition where abnormal tangles of blood vessels — called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) — form along the same spinal segment, affecting the spinal cord, the bones of the spine (vertebrae), and the skin overlying that area. The word 'metameric' refers to the fact that these abnormal vessels follow a specific body segment, meaning the skin, spine, and spinal cord at the same level are all involved. This is what makes SAMS different from other spinal vascular conditions. The abnormal blood vessels can disrupt normal blood flow to the spinal cord, causing a range of neurological symptoms. Because the spinal cord is responsible for sending signals between the brain and the rest of the body, damage to it can affect movement, sensation, bladder and bowel control, and more. Symptoms can appear at any age but are often noticed in young adults. Treatment focuses on managing the abnormal blood vessels through procedures such as embolization (blocking the vessels), surgery, or stereotactic radiosurgery. There is no cure, but early treatment can help prevent worsening disability. A team of specialists is usually needed to manage this complex condition.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Weakness or paralysis in the legs or armsNumbness or tingling in the limbs or trunkBack or neck painLoss of bladder or bowel controlDifficulty walking or poor balanceA visible birthmark or port-wine stain on the skin over the spineMuscle stiffness or spasticitySexual dysfunctionSudden worsening of neurological symptoms (due to bleeding)Scoliosis or abnormal spinal curvature
Clinical phenotype terms (20)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the extent of my malformation, and which parts of my spine are affected?,What treatment option do you recommend for me, and what are the risks and benefits?,How quickly could my symptoms worsen if I do not have treatment?,What symptoms should prompt me to go to the emergency room immediately?,Will I need ongoing imaging to monitor the malformation over time?,What rehabilitation services are available to help me manage my symptoms?,Are there any clinical trials or specialist centers I should consider?
Common questions about Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome
What is Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome?
Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome (SAMS), also known as Cobb syndrome, is a rare condition where abnormal tangles of blood vessels — called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) — form along the same spinal segment, affecting the spinal cord, the bones of the spine (vertebrae), and the skin overlying that area. The word 'metameric' refers to the fact that these abnormal vessels follow a specific body segment, meaning the skin, spine, and spinal cord at the same level are all involved. This is what makes SAMS different from other spinal vascular conditions. The abnormal blood vessels can di
How is Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome inherited?
Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.