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Unruptured intracranial arteriovenous malformations do cause mass effect
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
High-resolution computed tomography revealed mass effects in over half of patients with unruptured intracranial arteriovenous malformations. These effects involved compression and displacement of brain structures due to the malformation and associated edema.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular abnormalities.
- Understanding their structural impact is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and nature of mass effects in patients with unruptured intracranial AVMs.
- To characterize the anatomical distortions caused by AVMs and their associated edema.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was utilized to examine 60 patients.
- Detailed analysis of mass effects, including compression, distortion, and displacement of neural structures.
Main Results:
- Mass effects were identified in 33 out of 60 patients (55%).
- Observed effects included compression and displacement of normal brain anatomy.
- These effects were attributed to the AVM, its feeding arteries, draining veins, and surrounding edema.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of unruptured intracranial AVMs cause considerable mass effects.
- High-resolution CT is effective in visualizing these structural changes.
- These findings highlight the potential for mass effect even in the absence of AVM rupture.