arteriovenous malformation
Pronunciation: ar-TEER-ee-oh-VEE-nus mal-for-MAY-shun
Also written as: AVM — arteriovenous malformation
Abnormal tangle of blood vessels where arteries connect directly to veins without normal capillary bed. Requires detailed imaging to assess nidus characteristics and feeding vessels.
Full Definition
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital vascular anomaly consisting of an abnormal connection between arteries and veins that bypasses the normal capillary bed. These lesions consist of a central nidus of dysplastic vessels with enlarged feeding arteries and draining veins. AVMs can occur in various locations but are particularly significant when involving the brain, lungs, or other critical organs. Imaging evaluation requires detailed assessment of the nidus size, location, number and size of feeding arteries, pattern of venous drainage, and presence of associated aneurysms or stenoses. Multi-phase imaging is often necessary to fully characterize flow dynamics and plan potential treatment approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenated when used as compound modifier (arteriovenous-malformation nidus).
In Context
- "The cerebral arteriovenous malformation demonstrated multiple feeding arteries from both the anterior and posterior circulation." — Neuroradiology report