[Cerebral vascular malformations and pregnancy: obstetrical and anesthetic management]

Obstetrical management of women known to have a cerebral vascular malformation is controversial. The risk of cerebral hemorrhage during pregnancy is difficult to assess. We report thirteen cases of pregnancy in women with known cerebral vascular malformations who had or had not undergone surgical treatment. The effect of pregnancy on these malformations and corresponding obstetrical care described in the literature were studied. Our conclusion is that the risk of bleeding from cerebral arteriovenous malformations is not significantly increased during pregnancy whereas the risk of cerebral hemorrhage is slightly increased at the end of pregnancy, but unchanged during labor and delivery, in women with arterial aneurysms. There is no reason to advise against pregnancy in most cases and vaginal delivery is often possible unless there is a risk of dystocia.