Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of cerebral vessels is an abnormal connection of the cerebral arteries and veins, which is congenital, according to the Internet edition for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Arteriovenous malformation can occur in any part of the body, but more often in the brain or spinal cord.

The cause of the AVM is unknown.

You may not even be aware of the presence of arteriovenous malformation in your brain until it begins to manifest itself as headaches, seizures, or other symptoms. In serious cases, when the vessel in the brain is ruptured, there is a hemorrhage. If you were diagnosed in time, then modern surgical methods give a high chance for successful treatment.

Causes and risk factors of AVM.

Arteriovenous malformation of cerebral vessels occurs during intrauterine development, but its causes are not well understood. Normally, the heart should pump oxygen-enriched (arterial) blood through arteries that branch into small arterioles, and then pass into capillaries. Oxygen is used by brain cells, after which the venous blood enters the small venules that connect to large veins, and the blood returns back to the lungs to be enriched again with oxygen.

If you have arteriovenous malformation in the cerebral vessels, the blood flows directly from the arteries to the veins through abnormal vascular connections between them. This disrupts the normal blood supply to the brain.

Arteriovenous malformation can be anyone's, but American experts identify several risk factors:.

• Male. For unknown reasons, AVM occurs more often in men.

• Family history. The cases of AVM in the representatives of one family were recorded, but the genetic factor of AVM remains insufficiently studied. It is also possible to inherit diseases that predispose to AVM.

Symptoms of arteriovenous malformation.

Arteriovenous malformation of cerebral vessels may not manifest itself for years, until the vessel bursts and bleeding occurs. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic (USA) claim that about half of patients with AVM have other symptoms. AVM can be detected by scanning the brain for another reason.

Possible symptoms of AVM include:.

• Seizures.

• Headache.

• Progressing weakness or numbness.

When the rupture and hemorrhage symptoms are similar to a stroke:.

• Sudden severe headache.

• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

• Impaired coordination.

• Visual impairment.

• Difficult speech.

• Inability to understand others.

Symptoms can occur at any age, but more likely the appearance of signs of AVM at the age of 50 years. AVM cerebral vessels can gradually damage brain tissue, so neurologic symptoms become more pronounced over time. Nevertheless, after reaching the average age, AVM often remains stable and the likelihood of new symptoms decreases.

Women need to consider that pregnancy can give a push or worsen the symptoms of AVM, because during pregnancy, blood flow increases and blood volume increases.

Complications of AVM.

Possible complications of AVM include:.

• Bleeding. The walls of the affected vessels may become thin and weak. When AVM on these walls is very strong pressure, which can lead to bleeding (stroke).

• Insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. With AVM, the surrounding brain tissue can not absorb enough oxygen from the blood, which leads to the death of cells. This is associated with problems such as speech disorders, weakness and numbness of the limbs, loss of vision, etc..

Diagnosis with AVM.

Diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the brain vessels is performed by doctors specializing in diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system - neuropathologists. Depending on the results of the examination, you may be assigned additional diagnostic tests.

In the US, the three main tests that are used to diagnose AVM include:.

• Cerebral arteriography. This test is considered the best way to diagnose AVM of cerebral vessels. For the test in the femoral artery, a catheter is inserted that reaches the vessels of the brain, a contrast agent is injected, followed by a series of X-ray images of blood vessels.

• Computed tomography (CT). This is a diagnostic method based on obtaining a "picture" using X-rays. Sometimes, in order to obtain a more detailed picture of the affected vessels, the patient is first given a contrast. Then the method is called CT angiography.

• Magnetic resonance imaging. MRI is more effective than CT scan when it comes to detecting arteriovenous malformation. This method does not use radioactive radiation, MRI is based on the use of a magnetic field. If a special dye is injected before the examination, which "illuminates" the vessels, then the method is called MR angiography.

Treatment of AVM of cerebral vessels.

There are several options for treating AVM, and the best choice depends on the specific case, the size and location of the malformation. To eliminate symptoms, such as seizures and headaches, are widely used drugs.

• Surgical removal (resection). Surgical treatment of small AVM cerebral vessels is relatively safe and effective. For this, an open brain operation is performed. Such a resection is recommended when the AVM can be removed with an acceptable risk. If AVM is in deep brain structures, then such an operation is associated with a greater risk, and the doctor will offer other options.

• Endovascular embolization. During this procedure, a long catheter is inserted into the femoral artery, which must reach the arteries of the brain. The catheter is brought to the AVM and injected with a substance that "closes" the blood vessels, that is, blocks the flow of blood. Endovascular embolization can be prescribed as an independent treatment, and before other procedures (for example, before resection to reduce the risk of bleeding). In some cases, embolization can completely relieve the symptoms of AVM.

• Stereotactic radiosurgery. This method of treatment is based on very accurately focused radioactive radiation, which destroys the AVM.

Such therapy leads to the disappearance of AVM within months or years after treatment. Radiotherapy American doctors recommend in those cases when the AVM is small and does not threaten the life of the patient.

If you have found arteriovenous malformation of cerebral vessels, which is located in a hard-to-reach area of ??the brain, the operation can be risky. If the AVM does not cause serious symptoms, your doctor may advise observation and conservative treatment.

medbe. en.

Keywords:.