What grading system is usually used to describe an AVM, and predict operative outcome?
Spetzler-Martin AVM grading system.
Describe the Spetzler-Martin AVM grading system.
The Spetzler-Martin AVM grading system is based on three features which are scored and the three components added together. Size of nidus (small (<3cm) = 1; medium (3 - 6cm) = 2; large (> 6cm) = 3), eloquence of adjacent brain (non-eloquent = 0; eloquent = 1), venous drainage (superficial only = 0; deep = 1).
Just for fun, what grade would this AVM be?
Nidus <2cm = 1; eloquent brain = 1; no deep drainage = 0; Total = 2.
The nidus (*) is supplied by middle cerebral artery (MCA) branches (red) and drains via numerous enlarged cortical veins (blue CV).