[Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and fistulas]

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are often associated with the Rendu-Osler-Weber-syndrome (40-65%) and involve high risks of serious complications, especially of cerebral character. Operative treatment minimizes morbidity and mortality, but presents problems in cases with multiple, bilateral lesions. Embolotherapy seems promising as an alternative to surgery in cases of widespread lesions. Based on the literature, active therapy is recommended to all patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and fistulas. The only exception may be asymptomatic patients with small lesions who have no evidence of the Rendu-Osler-Weber-syndrome.