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Brain abscess as the first manifestation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: A case report
1Department of Radiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract:
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are rare pulmonary vascular anomalies. Although most patients are asymptomatic, right to left shunt produced by PAVM, could result in easy access of septic or non-septic emboli to systemic circulation, end to serious central nervous system (CNS) complication. Here we report a case of brain abscess in a young man. Its source was initially unknown but multiple arteriovenous malformations were detected incidentally in his thoracic CT, which was performed for ruling out embolism. Although the cases of brain abscesses associated with PAVM are very rare, the brain abscess could be an initial clinical manifestation in asymptomatic PAVM as in the case presented in this report.
Insights
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) can lead to serious brain abscesses. This rare condition may present initially as a brain abscess in otherwise asymptomatic patients with PAVM.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are uncommon vascular anomalies in the lungs.
- While often asymptomatic, PAVM can cause right-to-left shunting, allowing emboli to enter systemic circulation.
Observation:
- A young man presented with a brain abscess of unknown origin.
- Incidental discovery of multiple PAVM in his thoracic CT scan, initially performed to rule out embolism.
Findings:
- The brain abscess was linked to the incidentally found PAVM.
- This case highlights a rare but significant neurological complication of PAVM.
Implications:
- Brain abscess can be the first clinical sign of asymptomatic PAVM.
- Increased awareness of PAVM is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological complications.
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