Arteriovenous malformation in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Developmental Biology
• Vascular Malformations

Background:

• Developmental arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital vascular anomalies.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing AVMs in pediatric patients.

Observation:

• A 1-year-old rhesus monkey presented with a suspected developmental arteriovenous malformation in its right arm.
• Diagnostic workup included physical examination, ultrasound, and angiography.

Findings:

• The arteriovenous malformation was confirmed, involving abnormal vascular patterns in the skin and subcutis.
• Therapeutic transcatheter embolization using polyvinyl alcohol was performed, achieving partial success.
• Necropsy confirmed the localized nature of the lesion.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of multimodal diagnostic imaging in identifying AVMs in non-human primates.
• Transcatheter embolization can be a viable treatment option, though complete resolution may require further interventions.
• Understanding the developmental processes underlying AVMs can inform future research and treatment strategies.