Arteriovenous Malformation
Pronunciation: ar-TEER-ee-oh-VEE-nus
Abnormal vascular connection between arteries and veins bypassing normal capillaries, requiring specialized surgical or interventional management.
Full Definition
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is a congenital vascular anomaly characterized by abnormal direct connections between arteries and veins, bypassing the normal capillary bed. In pediatric patients, AVMs can occur anywhere in the body but commonly affect the brain, spinal cord, and extremities. The abnormal connections create a high-flow, low-resistance circuit that can lead to tissue ischemia, bleeding, heart failure, or neurological deficits. Treatment options include surgical resection, endovascular embolization, or stereotactic radiosurgery, depending on location, size, and symptoms. Management requires multidisciplinary coordination between pediatric surgery, interventional radiology, and neurosurgery.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as AVM in subsequent references; distinguish from other vascular anomalies.
In Context
- "The pediatric arteriovenous malformation was successfully treated with staged embolization procedures." — Interventional radiology report
- "High-flow arteriovenous malformations in infants may present with congestive heart failure." — Clinical case discussion