Natural history of arteriovenous malformations: presentation, risk of hemorrhage and mortality

Aki Laakso; Reza Dashti; Seppo Juvela; Mika Niemelä; Juha Hernesniemi

doi:10.1007/978-3-211-99373-6_10

Natural history of arteriovenous malformations: presentation, risk of hemorrhage and mortality

Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2010:107:65-9. doi: 10.1007/978-3-211-99373-6_10.

Authors

Aki Laakso¹, Reza Dashti, Seppo Juvela, Mika Niemelä, Juha Hernesniemi

Affiliation

¹ Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 266, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland. aki.laakso@hus.fi

PMID: 19953373
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-211-99373-6_10

Abstract

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are highly complex vascular lesions, which may become symptomatic by causing hemorrhagic stroke, epilepsy, chronic headache and/or focal neurological deficits. An increasing number of AVMs are also found incidentally in MRI and CT scans performed for other reasons. It is mandatory to understand the natural history and prognosis of these malformations when evaluating the risks that may be associated with the treatment. In this review, we discuss the symptomatology, hemorrhage risk and mortality associated with their natural course.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Arteriovenous Malformations* / complications
Arteriovenous Malformations* / diagnosis
Arteriovenous Malformations* / mortality
Brain / pathology
Epilepsy / diagnosis
Epilepsy / etiology
Epilepsy / mortality
Hemorrhage* / diagnosis
Hemorrhage* / etiology
Hemorrhage* / mortality
Humans
Risk Factors