Arteriovenous malformation

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Arteriovenous Malformation)

Abnormal connection between arteries and veins



An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. This vascular anomaly is typically congenital, meaning it is present at birth, but it can also develop later in life. AVMs can occur in various parts of the body, including the brain, spine, lungs, and skin.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

AVMs are characterized by a complex, tangled web of arteries and veins. Normally, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body, and veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. In an AVM, the direct connection between arteries and veins disrupts this process, leading to potential complications such as bleeding or reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of an AVM depend on its location. In the brain, AVMs can cause headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits. Spinal AVMs may lead to back pain, weakness, or paralysis. Pulmonary AVMs can result in shortness of breath or cyanosis. Cutaneous AVMs may appear as red or purple lesions on the skin.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

AVMs are often diagnosed using imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, or angiography. These methods help visualize the abnormal blood vessels and assess the risk of complications.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for AVMs vary based on their size, location, and symptoms. They may include:

  • Surgical resection: Removing the AVM through surgery.
  • Endovascular embolization: Injecting materials to block the abnormal vessels.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery: Using focused radiation to shrink the AVM.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with an AVM depends on several factors, including the AVM's size, location, and whether it has bled. Untreated AVMs in the brain have a risk of bleeding, which can lead to serious complications or death.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

Arteriovenous_malformation[edit | edit source]

  • Arteriovenous malformation in the brain, low magnification

  • Arteriovenous malformation in the left kidney, image 1

  • Arteriovenous malformation in the left kidney, image 2

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/w/index.php?title=Arteriovenous_malformation&oldid=6315303"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD