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cryptic arteriovenous malformation
A small, angiographically occult vascular malformation that may cause seizures or hemorrhage.
Full Definition
A cryptic arteriovenous malformation is a small vascular lesion, typically less than 2 cm in diameter, that is not visible on conventional angiography but may be detected on MRI. These lesions can cause seizures, focal neurological deficits, or spontaneous hemorrhage. They are also known as cavernous malformations or cavernomas and represent a subset of cerebral vascular malformations that require careful surgical planning due to their often eloquent brain location.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'cryptic AVM' in clinical notes; distinguish from classic AVMs which are angiographically visible.
In Context
- "The patient's seizure disorder was attributed to a cryptic arteriovenous malformation in the temporal lobe." — Neurosurgical case report
- "MRI revealed a cryptic arteriovenous malformation with characteristic popcorn appearance on T2-weighted images." — Radiology report
Also known as
cavernous malformation
cavernoma
occult vascular malformation
Don't confuse with
arteriovenous malformation
venous angioma