[Diagnostic imaging of brain arteriovenous malformations]

The goals of the imaging work-up of cerebral arteriovenous malformations are not only the diagnosis of malformations but also their radioanatomic characterization in order to define an appropriate treatment plan for a given lesion, to evaluate and to compare results of treatment modalities, to look for parameters correlated with a high risk of bleeding and to identify indications of radiosurgery. In this review, the diagnostic value of imaging techniques is discussed: CT scan, MR imaging, vascular explorations. Radioanatomic parameters most useful for therapeutic discussion are defined: feeding arteries, associated aneurysms, size and topography of nidus, draining veins.