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Intracranial arteriovenous malformation masquerading as a cardiac disorder
B V Daxini1, D M Desai, S Sharma
1Department of Cardiology, BYL Nair Hospital, Bombay, India.
International Journal of Cardiology
|September 1, 1991
Insights
A large brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can present with cardiac symptoms, mimicking heart disease. This case highlights the importance of considering AVMs in cardiac differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular abnormalities in the brain.
- AVMs typically present with neurological symptoms such as seizures or hemorrhage.
- Cardiac symptoms are an uncommon presentation for intracranial AVMs.
Observation:
- An adult patient presented with symptoms predominantly mimicking a cardiac lesion.
- Clinical examination revealed a prominent continuous murmur and signs of arterial run-off.
- These findings suggested a significant vascular abnormality with high flow.
Findings:
- Digital subtraction angiography confirmed the presence of a large intracranial arteriovenous malformation.
- The AVM's characteristics explained the patient's cardiac-like presentation.
- This case illustrates a rare clinical manifestation of brain AVMs.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering intracranial AVMs in the differential diagnosis of cardiac symptoms.
- Emphasizes the need for advanced neuroimaging in atypical presentations.
- Contributes to understanding the diverse clinical spectrum of arteriovenous malformations.
Abstract:
In this report, we describe an adult with a large intracranial arteriovenous malformation which mimicked a cardiac lesion. The patient presented with predominant cardiac symptoms, a prominent continuous murmur and signs of arterial run-off. The diagnosis was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. We report the case to highlight the rare presentation.