Arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are characterised by an abnormal leash of vessels allowing for arteriovenous shunting. They can occur anywhere in the body but have a predilection towardsare most common in the head and neckbrain ^ref1. There is direct arteriovenous communication with no intervening capillary bed. They can be congenital or acquired ^ref.

Classification

Location-specific subtypes

• cerebral arteriovenous malformation
  • Spetzler AVM grading system
• hepatic arteriovenous malformation
• musculoskeletal arteriovenous malformation
  • spinal arteriovenous malformation (classification)
• pulmonary arteriovenous malformation
• renal arteriovenous malformation
• uterine arteriovenous malformation