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Embolisation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Clinical and Experimental Neurology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Embolization using Silastic spheres and plugs offered symptom improvement for some patients with inoperable cerebral arteriovenous malformations. This interventional radiology technique may be beneficial in carefully selected cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular lesions.
- Inoperable AVMs present significant treatment challenges.
- Medical management often provides unsatisfactory symptom control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of embolization with Silastic spheres and plugs for inoperable cerebral AVMs.
- To assess the procedure's utility in managing diverse neurological symptoms associated with AVMs.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with inoperable cerebral AVMs underwent embolization.
- Silastic spheres and plugs were utilized as embolic agents.
- Patient indications included intractable migraine, cerebral ischemia, hemorrhage, and epilepsy.
Main Results:
- Four out of seven patients experienced symptom improvement.
- Observed benefits correlated with reduced blood flow through the AVM.
- Treatment duration for prior medical management ranged from 5 to 25 years.
Conclusions:
- Embolization with Silastic materials is a potentially valuable treatment for select inoperable cerebral AVM patients.
- The procedure may offer symptomatic relief when medical management fails.
- Careful patient selection is crucial due to associated risks.