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Spinal cord arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are difficult to diagnose, and surgery to remove them demands great skill. Because AVMs are relatively rare, many physicians see only a few patients with arteriovenous malformations in their careers. The medical team at Mayo Clinic has treated more than 200 patients with spinal arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas, making Mayo one of the largest and most experienced medical centers for treatment of this problem.
The treatment for an arteriovenous malformation has to be carefully individualized to minimize risk and maximize the chance for completely obliterating the lesion. This requires input from a team of experienced neurosurgeons, neurologists and neuroradiologists familiar with AVMs and all treatment options.
Three main tests are used to diagnose AVMs: computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA), and angiography. Read more about spinal arteriovenous malformation diagnosis.
Studies show that, while the day-to-day risk of hemorrhage or other problems associated with arteriovenous malformations is small, the risk increases over time. Therefore, treatment is usually recommended for otherwise healthy young people who have AVMs. Surgical removal and endovascular embolization are the main treatments for spinal arteriovenous malformations. Read more about spinal arteriovenous malformations treatment options.
A spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels on, in or near the spinal cord. The arteriovenous malformation causes spinal tissues to be starved of normal amounts of oxygen, and the cells that make up these tissues begin to deteriorate or die. The abnormal group of blood vessels (the AVM) may rupture and cause a spinal hemorrhage. Rarely, the AVM may enlarge and compress the spinal cord. More details about spinal AVMs.
Read more at
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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