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Intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Current imaging and treatment
1Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792.
Investigative Radiology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) carry high risks of death and disability. Advances in treatment offer a safer alternative to observing untreated AVMs, highlighting the need for radiologist awareness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are associated with substantial mortality (15-20%) and morbidity (20-30%) over 15-20 years.
- Untreated AVMs pose significant long-term risks to patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of diagnostic radiologists understanding intracranial AVMs.
- To review the diagnosis, natural history, treatment options, and associated risks of intracranial AVMs.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in interventional neuroradiology, neurosurgery, neuroanesthesia, and stereotactic radiotherapy.
- Analysis of treatment risks versus natural history risks for intracranial AVMs.
Main Results:
- Modern treatments can obliterate previously untreatable intracranial AVMs.
- The overall risk of treatment for AVMs is estimated to be less than 50% of the risk associated with untreated AVMs.
Conclusions:
- Interventional and surgical treatments offer a significantly reduced risk profile compared to untreated intracranial AVMs.
- Diagnostic radiologists must be knowledgeable about intracranial AVMs to guide patient management effectively.