Arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are characterized by an abnormal leash of vessels allowing for arteriovenous shunting. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the brain ¹. 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