Systemic arteriovenous malformations: a feature of advanced liver disease

Arterial and arteriovenous abnormalities are reported in association with advanced liver disease, those most commonly recognised are spider naevi, pulmonary arteriovenous shunts, and generalised vasodilatation. The first two cases of peripheral systemic arteriovenous malformations in association with cirrhosis are reported. After liver transplantation in one of these patients the vascular malformation regressed. A review of published works shows that other vascular complications of advanced liver disease such as pulmonary shunts and generalised vasodilation also regress after orthotopic liver transplantation.