Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Radiosurgical retreatment for brain arteriovenous malformation
Javad Mirza-Aghazadeh1, Yuri M Andrade-Souza, Gelareh Zadeh
1Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Centre, Department of Radiation Oncology, Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Second radiosurgery for brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) after initial treatment failure is safe and effective. This retreatment offers similar success rates to initial procedures with an acceptable complication risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiosurgery
Background:
- Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) can be challenging to treat.
- Initial radiosurgery may fail, necessitating further intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a second radiosurgical treatment for BAVMs following an unsuccessful first attempt.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 15 patients undergoing a second radiosurgery for BAVMs.
- Data included patient and BAVM characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes.
- Obliteration assessed via MRI and angiography; Obliteration Prediction Index (OPI) calculated.
Main Results:
- The second radiosurgery achieved a 66.6% obliteration rate, comparable to the predicted 65% by OPI.
- The mean BAVM volume significantly decreased after the second treatment.
- A 13.3% rate of radiation-induced complications was observed.
Conclusions:
- Repeat radiosurgery for BAVMs is a viable and effective option after initial treatment failure.
- This approach yields success rates similar to initial radiosurgery.
- The risk of radiation-induced complications is acceptable.
