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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Innumerable bilateral pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: percutaneous transcatheter embolization using Amplatzer
Ahmed Kamel Abdel-Aal1, Souheil Saddekni, Edgar Underwood
1Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
|June 7, 2012
Summary
This case study details embolizing large pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in a patient with severe dyspnea. While the procedure was safe, it did not significantly improve symptoms, highlighting limitations in treating numerous PAVMs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) can cause significant shunting, leading to dyspnea and paradoxical embolization.
- Innumerable PAVMs present a unique challenge for treatment due to the impossibility of addressing every lesion.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old patient presented with severe dyspnea and a history of stroke secondary to PAVMs.
- The patient had innumerable bilateral PAVMs, with feeding arteries measuring 3 mm or more targeted for intervention.
Findings:
- Eight PAVMs were successfully embolized using Amplatzer vascular plugs.
- Despite successful embolization, the patient experienced no significant improvement in dyspnea.
Implications:
- Treatment of innumerable PAVMs may not alleviate symptoms but can reduce the risk of paradoxical embolization.
- This case underscores the need to manage patient expectations regarding symptom relief in extensive PAVM cases.
- Further research is needed to explore optimal management strategies for patients with a high burden of PAVMs.
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