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Published on: October 20, 2017
[Two cases of congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation in male]
Yumi Manabe1, Masayuki Uegaki, Akira Asazuma
1The Department of Urology, Kansai Electoric Power Hospital.
Abstract:
Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation(AVM) is extremely rare, especially in males. Herein we report two males with pelvic AVM. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated markedly dilated, and tortuous vessels in the pelvis in both patients. The first patient, a 77- year-old male, presented with difficulty in voiding and weak urinary stream. He was scheduled to have a prostate biopsy for suspicion of prostate cancer with pelvic lymph node swelling. However, the mass was diagnosed as pelvic AVM with MRI, and the prostate biopsy was cancelled. He has been followed conservatively since then. The second patient, a 55-year-old male, presented with gross hematuria which caused severe hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock. He had pelvic AVM, and he was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization two times. When patients with this disease present with general urological symptoms, urological procedures, without attention to this disease, might cause severe complications such as serious hemorrhage. We discuss the clinical course and the treatment for AVM, and review the literature.
Insights
Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rare in males. Misdiagnosis of pelvic AVM as prostate cancer can lead to dangerous complications during urological procedures.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Urology
- Radiology
Background:
- Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an exceptionally rare condition, particularly in the male population.
- Pelvic AVMs can present with diverse and often non-specific urological symptoms, mimicking other common pelvic pathologies.
Observation:
- This report details two male patients diagnosed with congenital pelvic AVM via advanced imaging (CT/MRI).
- One patient presented with voiding dysfunction, initially suspected of prostate cancer, while the other experienced severe hematuria leading to hemorrhagic shock.
Findings:
- Imaging revealed significantly dilated and tortuous vessels in the pelvic region for both individuals.
- Conservative management was chosen for the first patient after AVM diagnosis, while the second underwent successful transcatheter arterial embolization.
- The cases highlight the critical importance of considering pelvic AVM in the differential diagnosis of urological symptoms.
Implications:
- Urological procedures performed without recognizing pelvic AVM can precipitate life-threatening hemorrhage.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of pelvic AVM is crucial for appropriate management and preventing iatrogenic complications.
- This case series underscores the need for heightened awareness among urologists and radiologists regarding this rare vascular anomaly.
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