Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
9.0K
Sudden death from ruptured choroid plexus arteriovenous malformation.
Andreea Cioca1, Dan Gheban, Dan Perju-Dumbrava
1From the *"Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; †Department of Pathology, County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; ‡Department of Pathology, Children's Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; and §Department of Legal Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Summary
Sudden death in children due to brain arteriovenous malformations is rare. This case highlights a ruptured choroid plexus arteriovenous malformation as a cause of sudden death in a child, emphasizing autopsy
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Pathology
- Vascular Malformations
Background:
- Brain vascular malformations can cause hemorrhage, but are an uncommon cause of sudden death in children.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are typically found throughout the brain, but rarely occur in the choroid plexus.
Observation:
- A rare case of sudden death in a child is presented.
- The cause was a ruptured arteriovenous malformation in an unusual location (choroid plexus).
- The lesion was not apparent during gross examination and was only identified through histological examination.
Findings:
- The size and location of the choroid plexus AVM, along with the patient's age, contributed to massive, fatal bleeding.
- Histological examination was crucial for diagnosing the AVM, which was missed during gross autopsy.
Implications:
- Autopsy is vital for determining the etiology of sudden, unexplained deaths in children.
- This case enhances understanding of rare AVM presentations and their potential for catastrophic hemorrhage.
- Improved knowledge of these lesions aids in refining epidemiologic data for pediatric vascular malformations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
30
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
30
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
19
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
19
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
20
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
20
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
20
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins...
20
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
27
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component...
27
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K