Arteriovenous Malformation

*What is Arteriovenous Malformation?*

Arteriovenous Malformations(AVMs) are defects of the circulatory system that are believed to arise during embryonic development or shortly after birth. The are comprised of tangled arteries and veins. The presence of an AVM disrupts the normal function of these arteries and veins, which is taking blood away from the heart and returning it to it. An AVM can develop in many different areas, but those in the brain and spinal cord can have widespread effects on the rest of the body. AVMs of the brain and spinal cord are believed to effect approximately 300,000 male and female Americans.

*Symptoms*

Most people with AVMs don't experience any symptoms and they are only detected during an autopsy or during treatment for an unrelated disorder. Symptoms only tend to occur when the damage from the AVM to the brain or spinal cord reaches a critical level. For those people that do experience symptoms, seizures and headaches are the most generalized. Other symptoms include muscle weakness or paralysis in one part of the body, a loss of coordination, dizziness, visual disturbances, and memory deficits just to name a few.  

*Diagnosis*

Angiography provides the most accurate pictures of blood vessel structures in an AVM. Contrast is injected into an artery and it highlights the blood vessels. CT and MRI can also be used to detect the presence of an AVM, as well as MRA and CTA which provides three dimensional representations. 

*Treatment*

Treatment is done on an individualized basis. Medication can be used to alleviate general pain that goes along with an AVM, such as back pain, headaches, or seizures. A few other options, if possible, are surgery or focused radiation therapy.

The first image is a CT scan showing a hemorrhage. The cause was unknown at the time, but after removal an AVM was found. The second image is the cerebral angiogram of the same patient done after the AVM was found in surgery. 

     

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