Brain abscess as the first manifestation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: A case report

Maryam Moradi1, Maryam Adeli1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

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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