Definition

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain and spinal cord affect approximately 300,000 Americans. They are tangles of abnormal blood vessels. Arteriovenous malformations can form wherever arteries and veins exist. However, the ones that form in the brain or spinal cord can have especially serious effects.

Blood flows through arteries, bringing oxygen from the heart to the brain. The blood then enters smaller blood vessels that slow the blood flow and allow oxygen to be delivered to the surrounding tissue. Finally, the veins carry the oxygen depleted blood away from the brain to the heart and lungs to pick up more oxygen.

Arteries in arteriovenous malformations don’t follow this pattern. They dump blood directly into veins through a channel called a fistula, an abnormal tube-like opening. The blood flow through this fistula is extremely fast. Complications from this include:

• Uncontrolled flow that doesn’t allow oxygen to be delivered
• Extreme blood flow puts a great deal of pressure on the wall of the blood vessels and may cause them to rupture and bleed (hemorrhage)

Two to four percent of all arteriovenous malformations hemorrhage or bleed. The damage caused by the bleeding depends on where the arteriovenous malformation is located. If the hemorrhage is in the brain, brain tissue can be damaged. It may be temporary or permanent damage.

Arteriovenous malformations can seriously damage the brain and the spinal cord by:

• Reducing the amount of oxygen reaching the brain
• Causing bleeding (hemorrhage) into the tissues that make up the neurological system (the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord)
• Pressing against or moving parts of the brain or spinal cord

Complications of arteriovenous malformations include strokes]]> (blood supply and oxygen are totally cut off from the brain), ]]>hydrocephalus]]> (excessive build-up of fluid within the brain), and spinal cord injury (possibly causing paralysis).

The sooner arteriovenous malformations are treated, the better the outcome. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor immediately.

Causes

The cause of arteriovenous malformations is unknown. However, researchers believe that they occur as a fetus is developing and the arteriovenous malformations are present when you are born.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

• Family history—some types of arteriovenous malformations are due to genetic defects that can be passed on from one generation to the next. Individuals with a family history of arteriovenous malformations are at higher risk of developing arteriovenous malformations.
• History of bleeding—some types of arteriovenous malformations are associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Individuals with unexplained recurrent bleeding may be at higher risk of having arteriovenous malformations.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that you may experience if you have an arteriovenous malformation. Symptoms vary from person to person. They also depend on the location of the arteriovenous malformation in your body.

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to arteriovenous malformations. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

• Intracranial hemorrhage—bleeding within the skull
  • This is the most common symptom, affecting approximately half of those with arteriovenous malformations.
• Seizure—occurs in 20%-25% of all cases
• Headache
  • Headaches are a common symptom, affecting approximately 15% of cases. Sometimes headaches linked to one side of the head may be a sign that an arteriovenous malformation is there.
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis (loss of movement) on one side of the body
• Dizziness
• Inability to perform purposeful movements but not due to paralysis (also known as apraxia)
• Loss of coordination, especially when walking (also known as ataxia)
• Abnormal blood flow sound
  • This sound, also called a bruit, can be identified by your doctor by using a stethoscope. It is caused by the extremely fast flow of blood through arteries and veins of an arteriovenous malformation.
• Sudden, severe back pain
• Difficulty speaking or understanding language
• Loss of sensations (hearing, taste, or touch)
• Visual disturbances
• Memory loss
• Difficulty thinking or mental confusion
• Hallucinations
• Dementia]]>

Children under the age of two may have different symptoms, including:

• ]]>Congestive heart failure]]> (inability of the heart to pump out all the blood that returns to it)
• Hydrocephalus (excessive build-up of fluid within the brain—gives the appearance of a large head)
• Seizures

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Your doctor will need more information to make an evaluation. To get a more comprehensive understanding of your condition, your doctor may order some tests. Tests may include the following:

• Angiography or arteriography]]> —dye (also called a contrast agent) is injected into your arteries and x-rays are taken to determine blood circulation.
• Superselective angiography—a catheter, which is a very thin, flexible tube, is inserted into your artery until it reaches the site of the arteriovenous malformation. Your physician will then release a small amount of a dye (contrast agent) directly into the lesion. Then x-rays are taken to examine blood flow at the lesion site.
• ]]>Computed axial tomography (CT scan or CAT scan)]]> —a computer takes information from multiple x-rays taken of your head, brain, and/or spinal cord. This is often used to determine and locate hemorrhages.
• ]]>Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]]> —Using magnets and radio waves, your doctor obtains images of your brain and spinal cord. MRIs are very sensitive and can show if hemorrhaging has occurred. It can also provide information about the location and physical features of the arteriovenous malformation.
• ]]>Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)]]> —This test involves the injection of a contrast dye into your arteries, after which images are obtained through the use of an MRI machine.

Your doctor will most likely refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment. There are a number of specialists who focus on arteriovenous malformation, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to prevent hemorrhaging, which can lead to strokes. Your doctor will need to determine if your arteriovenous malformation has bled, if it is not too large, and if it is located in an area that can be easily reached and treated.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

There are three different types of surgery available and the choice of which one will depend on the size and location of the arteriovenous malformation. The types of surgery include:

Sometimes, arteriovenous malformations are best left alone based on their size and location. It is best to speak with your physician about your decision.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent an arteriovenous malformation. However, to help reduce your chances of hemorrhaging, take the following steps:

• Learn about ways to avoid high blood pressure, such as:
  • Avoid heavy lifting.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation.
  • Eat a healthy diet,]]> with an appropriate amount of sodium.

• Avoid blood thinners (drugs such as warfarin).
• Continue to see your doctor and a neurologist to regularly check the condition of your arteriovenous malformation.