ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION
Imaging
Imaging for optimized detection of arteriovenous malformation:
While arteriovenous malformations may be detected on CT with
contrast, and on MRI, angiography is the 'gold standard' imaging.
Imaging characteristics of arteriovenous malformation:
- CT with contrast shows the 'bag of worms' - tangled vessels
composed of feeding arteries, nidus and draining veins.
- MRI shows low T2-signal intensity flow voids in fast
flowing vessels, and may demonstrate areas of previous
hemorrhage and related edema.
- Formal cerebral angiography allows optimal visualization of
feeding arteries, nidus and enlarged draining veins.