Arteriovenous Malformations

Question 1

What is an arteriovenous malformation?

Answer 1

Complex tangle of arteries and veins connected together with one or more fistulas creating a shunt

Question 2

What are arteriovenous malformations a common cause of?

Answer 2

Haemorrhage

-Because walls are weak, and high pressure arterial blood is flowing directly into veins

Question 3

Presentation of arteriovenous malformations?

Answer 3

• Often asymptomatic

- Diagnosis usually made when someone presents with something serious like haemorrhage, seizure or other neuro issues

Question 4

Second most common complaint concerning arteriovenous malformations?

Answer 4

Seizures

Question 5

Why would progressive neurological deficits occur in some individuals?

Answer 5

Due to local ischaemic effect of AVMs

Question 6

Preferred investigation for arteriovenous malformation?

Answer 6

Catheter angiography

Question 7

Treatment for arteriovenous malformation?

Answer 7

Surgery

-Some cases observation if surgery is risky