Vascular intracranial malformations and dementia: An under-estimated cause and clinical correlation. Clinical note

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Neurology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cerebrovascular malformations (CVMs), including AVMs and DAVFs, can lead to intracranial hemorrhage or neurological deficits.
• Vascular steal in CVMs can cause ischemic penumbra, manifesting as subtle cognitive impairment and dementia.
• Dementia secondary to CVMs is an underrecognized cause of potentially reversible cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on clinical manifestations of CVMs presenting with cognitive impairment.
• To describe the distinctive clinical features of CVM-associated dementia.
• To highlight CVMs as a treatable cause of dementia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on CVMs and cognitive impairment.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic features.
• Synthesis of findings on the relationship between CVMs and dementia.

Main Results:

• Cognitive impairment is a recognized clinical manifestation of CVMs.
• CVM-related dementia can present with a wide spectrum of cognitive deficits.
• These dementias are frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed late.

Conclusions:

• Cerebrovascular malformations are an important, often overlooked, cause of reversible dementia.
• Recognition of CVMs in dementia patients is critical for improving patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to improve early diagnosis and management of CVM-associated cognitive impairment.