Arteriovenous Malformation Embolization
Arteriovenous Malformation Embolization
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain or spine refer to abnormal connections between arteries and veins. AVMs can be difficult or dangerous to treat and may cause bleeding into or around the brain, most commonly in young adults. Although AVMs can cause headaches or other symptoms, they are often discovered on CT or MRI scans performed for other reasons. Left untreated, there is a 4 percent risk that they may start to bleed, causing severe neurologic damage and even death. Safe, surgical removal of AVMs or treatment with radiation may require partial or complete closure of the AVM through embolization (blocking) techniques. This preparation improves the safety, effectiveness and outcome of surgery.
What Causes Arteriovenous Malformations?
People are born with AVMs, although they do not appear to inherit them from their parents, nor do they give them to their children. It appears that AVMs may be caused by a rupture or clotting of a blood vessel that happens during development before one is born. It is usually not associated with other maldevelopments or with other AVMs.