Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations presenting as difficult-to-control asthma: a case report
Marta Navratil1, Vinko Vidjak, Filip Rubić
1Reference Center for Clinical Allergology of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Srebrnjak Children's Hospital, Srebrnjak 100, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia. marta.navratil@gmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|January 29, 2013
Summary
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can mimic difficult-to-control asthma. This case highlights the importance of considering these vascular anomalies in asthma evaluations, especially when symptoms are refractory to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are rare but important in diagnosing common lung issues like hypoxemia and dyspnea.
- PAVMs can present as pulmonary nodules on imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of PAVMs presenting as refractory asthma.
- To emphasize the diagnostic challenge posed by PAVMs.
Main Methods:
- A case study of an 11-year-old boy with severe asthma.
- Diagnostic imaging included chest X-ray and CT angiography.
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was diagnosed clinically and genetically (endoglin gene mutation).
Main Results:
- CT angiography revealed bilateral pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.
- The patient received embolotherapy for the PAVMs.
- Successful clinical outcome was achieved post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can present atypically, mimicking refractory asthma.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, such as embolotherapy, are crucial for managing PAVMs.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.