Micro-arteriovenous malformations: significant hemorrhage from small arteriovenous shunts.
Neurosurgery 2000;
46:811-8; discussion 818-9. [PMID:
10764253 DOI:
10.1097/00006123-200004000-00008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Micro-arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent approximately 8 to 10% of surgically treated brain AVMs. We examined the clinical presentations, radiological features, principles of surgical resection, and factors affecting outcomes for micro-AVM lesions.
METHODS
Twelve patients with micro-AVMs that had been treated by surgical resection were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up monitoring period was 35 months (range, 2-76 mo). Outcomes, as assessed in follow-up visits and telephone interviews (using a questionnaire), were classified according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale.
RESULTS
All 12 patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage, which was intraparenchymal and superficially situated in 10 patients (83%) and intraventricular in 2 patients (17%). Hemorrhages were large (mean volume, 23 ml3; range, 1-58 ml3) and were associated with neurological deficits for 10 of 12 patients (83%). The identification of an arterialized draining vein during surgery and stereotactic angiography greatly facilitated surgical localization of the lesions. One patient (8%) developed a mild permanent deficit as a result of surgery. Although Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were excellent for all except one patient, nine patients (75%) experienced long-term neurological problems.
CONCLUSION
Micro-AVMs typically present with large hemorrhages and are associated with significant neurological deficits. If a superficial clot is present, surgical resection of the lesion is strongly advocated. The ultimate clinical outcomes are determined primarily by deficits present after the initial hemorrhaging episodes.
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