Contrast-enhanced MRA in pre-embolization assessment of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

We describe a case of a single pulmonary vascular malformation studied with a new contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MRA technique. Images provided the interventional radiologist with a pre-embolization road map from which information regarding the number and size of feeding and draining vessels was obtained accurately and noninvasively.     

磁共振成像和磁共振血管造影对脑动静脉畸形的诊断评价

目的 探讨MRI和MRA,尤其后者对脑动静脉畸形（AVM）诊断价值和限度。材料与方法,对16例AVM者行MRI和MRA检查并与DSA进行对照研究,分别观察供血动脉,血管巢和引流静脉情况。结果 与DSA对照,显示供血动脉,MRA与其无显著差异（P＞0．05）,MRI有其极显著差异（P＜0．001）;血管巢大小,MRI,MRA与其均无显著差异（P＞0．05）,引流静脉,MRI与其有显著差异（P＜0．001）。结论 MRA与MRI联合应用可准确显示供血动脉,血管巢和部分引流静脉,是一种评价AVM血管内治疗,手术切除或立体定向放疗及效果观察的有效无创性检查方法。随着MRA新技术的不断开发,完善,将部分取代有创性DSA检查。     

Acute subdural hematoma due to arteriovenous malformation primarily in dura mater: a case report

We report a 42-year-old female with alcohol addiction who suddenly died of subdural hematoma (SDH) caused by dural arteriovenous malformation (AVM). In autopsy, there was seen a massive SDH with a total weight of 181 g that covered an entire part of the left cerebral hemisphere, although either serious external injuries of the head or any visible internal injuries of the brain were observed. SDH subsequently resulted in the tonsillar, transtentorial and subfalcial herniations with a right-sided shift of the left-lateral and third ventricles, and the left thalamus as well. Histopathological examination on the serial sections cut from the falx cerebri revealed abnormal distribution of arteries and veins with various sizes, which were comprehensively highlighted by immunohistochemical stainings with alpha-SMA and CD31. Although a very point of bleeding was not identified even by careful histological observation, we concluded that dural AVM could be critical for acute SDH in the present case. The value of ethanol concentration examined in the samples from SDH supported that the lesion could be not chronic, but acute.     

Comparison of perfusion lung scanning and angiography in the estimation of vascular obstruction in acute pulmonary embolism

To determine the relationships between perfusion scan defect and angiographic severity (Miller index) in acute pulmonary embolism, we analysed examinations obtained before and after thrombolytic therapy in 34 consecutive patients free from underlying cardiopulmonary disease. The overall agreement between the two techniques was excellent (r=0.82; mean absolute difference=2.8%), although when embolic involvement was extensive (greater than 50% angiographic obstruction), the perfusion scan moderately underestimated (4%) the defect seen angiographically. These findings suggest that the pulmonary lung scan is a reliable method of assessing the initial pulmonary vascular obstruction as well as of quantifying any changes induced by or associated with the treatment.French exchange travelling fellow     

MSCTA评价颌面部动静脉畸形内血管结构的价值

目的:探讨多层螺旋CT血管成像(MSCTA)对评价颌面部动静脉畸形(AVM)内血管结构的临床诊断价值。方法:对照DSA诊断结果,回顾性地分析48例AVM患者的MSCTA原始图像以及容积再现(VR)和最大密度投影(MIP)的影像表现。观察内容包括畸形血管团的数目和部位、供血动脉和引流静脉的数目和方向等。结果:MSCTA对畸形血管团的检出率为100%,对供血动脉的检出率为89.6%(43/48),对引流静脉的检出率为91.7%(44/48)。其中对1、2级供血动脉的检出率为81.4%(35/43),供血动脉和引流静脉均被检出者为42例(87.5%)。根据病变的供血动脉和引流静脉数目,将42例病人分为3型:单纯型(14例)、单多吻合型(16例)和复杂型(12例),CTA对3种类型AVM的诊断符合率分别为88.10%、90.48%和90.48%。根据病变的供血动脉和引流静脉的方向分为同侧吻合(25例)和双侧吻合(17例),CTA对两者的诊断准确率均为97.62%。结论:MSCTA能显示大多数颌面部AVM内的血管结构,有助于临床治疗方案的制订。     

Association of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation and a meningioma

A case of a simultaneously discovered arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and a meningioma is presented. A review of the literature revealed only four similar cases, but there have been 30 reports of other intracranial tumors in association with AVM. The possible mechanisms of this rare association are discussed. Received: 30 December 1997 Accepted: 19 January 1998     

Arteriovenous malformation of the hand with involvement of bone

A case of arteriovenous malformation of the hand involving bone is presented. Changes in the involved bone may be characteristic but are usually not diagnostic. The value of arteriography in the diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation is emphasized, since biopsy may be hazardous and even misleading.     

Treatment of mandibular arteriovenous malformations by direct transosseous puncture: Report of two cases

Mandibular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a potentially life-threatening pathology requiring radical treatment. We report two female patients, aged 14 and 16 years, in whom occlusion of the AVM with Ethibloc after percutaneous transosseous puncture achieved definitive recovery. The first case was treated by direct injection of Ethibloc following inefficient arterial embolization with Ivalon particles. In the second case, Ethibloc was injected without previous arterial embolization. Control examinations performed at 6 months and 2 years confirmed complete calcification of the mandible in the first case and a total obliteration of the AVM on angiography in the second case.     

Arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord mimicking a tumour

We report an arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord mimicking a tumour on plain radiographs of the spine.     

Endovascular embolization for managing a massive shoulder arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital high flow pathologic linkages between arteries and veins of different sizes that may occur in any part of the body. The clinical presentation is largely dependent on the size and location of AVMs and can range from an asymptomatic birthmark to congestive heart failure in extreme cases. In this report, we describe a 20-year-old male who presented with a large AVM of the right shoulder that resulted in significant cosmetic and physical impairment and treated with several sessions of endovascular embolization with good clinical outcomes. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing and managing these AVMs. Most of these anomalies require a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates both trans-catheter and surgical interventions with trans-arterial lesion embolization being the cornerstone of the treatment.     

The two-in-one model: a new variation of the arteriovenous malformation model in swine

We report a new variation of the well-established experimental arteriovenous malformation (AVM) model in swine. To provide high flow through the rete mirabile (nidus, RM) and thereby to reduce the rate of spontaneous thrombosis of the AVM, we performed an end-to-end anastomosis of the left common carotid artery (CCA) and the external jugular vein (EJV) microsurgically in three micropigs. After 1 and 4 months the animals underwent angiograms of the CCA and vertebral artery (VA). In all cases the diversion of the blood through the RM was patent, up to the 4 months follow-up. We observed an arteriovenous fistula (arteriovenous pseudomalformation, pAVF) between the VA and the EJV in each case at both 1 and 4 months. This modification of the well-known AVM model in the micropig could be used to monitor long-term changes after embolisation, avoiding the naturally high rate of spontaneous thrombosis. This two-in-one model is thus well suited for preclinical testing of embolic materials. Received: 2 December 1999 Accepted: 31 August 2000     

Arteriovenous malformation of the gallbladder: CT and angiographic findings

We encountered a case of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the gallbladder in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed serpentine vessels around and within the gallbladder wall. Angiography showed dilated and tortuous cystic arteries, a racemose vascular network, and early-filling cystic veins. Transcatheter arterial embolization of two cystic arteries feeding the AVM was performed with platinum microcoils prior to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for HCC to prevent embolic particles from flowing into these arteries. Follow-up contrast-enhanced CT showed blood flow in the gallbladder AVM, which appeared to be fed by the arterial collaterals.     

动脉栓塞治疗男性先天性盆腔动静脉畸形一例

报道1例长期原因不明肉眼血尿多囊肾患者。影像检查显示两侧盆区动静脉畸形(CPAVM)。经超选择栓塞髂内动脉8支分支血尿治愈,随访6个月,血尿无复发。文献复习表明CPAVM发病甚少,形态多样。介入治疗是有效的微创方法。     

椎管内动静脉血管畸形的MRI诊断

目的 评价MRI对椎管内动静脉血管畸形的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析手术及DSA证实的12例椎管内动静脉畸形（AVM）的MRI资料。结果 椎管内AVM根据部位分为髓内AVM，硬膜内髓周AVM及硬脊膜动静脉瘘（AVF），MRI表现为脊髓增粗，髓内或髓周密集的血管流空影，同时可显示出血及脊髓内的软化或水肿。结论 MRI是评价椎管内AVM十分敏感和有效的方法。     

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and inherent complications with solitary lung nodule biopsy—literature overview and case report

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, also known as an arteriovenous fistula, is typically a congenital disease caused by structural deficiencies, particularly the lack of capillary wall development, leading to the abnormal dilation of the pulmonary capillaries. The majority of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation cases are associated with Rendu–Osler–Weber syndrome, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation rarely occurs due to chest trauma. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are long-lasting and often first diagnosed in adults. More than two-thirds of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation lesions are found in the lower lung lobe and the subpleural area, and the vast majority of cases present with the monofocal form. The initial diagnosis is often based on the identification of a solitary pulmonary nodule. However, a solitary nodule detected on chest computed tomography that is not correctly diagnosed as pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, even after intravenous contrast injection, can lead to the performance of a transthoracic biopsy. Biopsy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can lead to stroke occurrence, during which the patient often presents with severe pleural bleeding, which can have lifelong consequences if not immediately treated. We report a case of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation that was discovered incidentally in an adult patient who underwent non-contrast computed tomography. Misdiagnosis occurred, and transthoracic lung biopsy was performed. Complications were discovered late, and the patient underwent surgical pulmonary arteriovenous malformation removal and was treated for hemothorax.     

Pleuropulmonary blastoma in the area of a previously diagnosed congenital lung cyst: report of two cases

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare primary malignant pulmonary tumor in pediatric patients. We report the development of PPB in the area of a previous pulmonary cyst in two children, one boy and one girl 5 and 12 years old, respectively. We present the clinical and radiological findings. A short review of the literature is included.     

Axillary vascular malformation visualized on mammogram: A case report

Chest wall lesions can mimic masses on mammograms and can cause diagnostic difficulty in interpretation. Here, we report a case of an axillary and retro-pectoral vascular malformation visualized on mammography in a 67-year-old patient presenting with fullness in the right axilla and right supraclavicular region. Mammography, ultrasonography (US), and computed tomography (CT) angiography of the patient were done to make the final diagnosis.     

Arteriovenous malformation of the gallbladder

Review of the literature shows no reports of vascular malformation of the gallbladder. Herein we report an unusual case of arteriovenous malformation of the gallbladder in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. The gallbladder lesion was found incidentally during abdominal angiography for the carcinoma. The angiographic features were specific, comprising dilated and tortuous feeding cystic arteries, a racemose vascular network, and early-filling cystic veins. Received 10 October 1995; Revision received 3 May 1996; Accepted 6 May 1996     

Pulmonary air embolism: Case report

The authors encountered a patient with an indwelling central venous catheter who presented with pulmonary edema after the catheter hub was disconnected. Pulmonary arteriography demonstrated diffuse peripheral vasoconstriction, decreased arterial-to-venous transit time, and arterial occlusions. The former two findings allowed the authors to prospectively suggest the diagnosis of pulmonary air embolism.     

Failed retrieval of an inferior vena cava filter during pregnancy because of filter tilt: report of two cases

Thromboembolic disease during pregnancy is an important cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality. Pregnant patients with venous thromboembolism are usually managed by conventional anticoagulation. However, this must be discontinued during vaginal or caesarian delivery to avoid haemorrhage and to reduce the risk of possible epidural haematoma. Retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) offer protection against pulmonary embolism during this high-risk period, when anticoagulation is discontinued, while avoiding potential long-term sequelae of a permanent IVCF. Here we report two patients who presented in the third trimester of pregnancy with floating ileofemoral deep vein thrombosis. Both patients were initially treated with standard anticoagulation; however, shortly before delivery both patients had a retrievable IVCF placed in a suprarenal position. In both patients, retrieval failed at 28 days after insertion because of filter tilt. The timing and mechanism of filter tilt remains uncertain. We believe that a number of factors could have been involved, including change in the anatomic configuration with lateral displacement of the IVCF as a result of the gravid uterus as well as forceful uterine contractions during labour, which modified the shape and diameter of the IVC. We showed that failure to retrieve the IVCF has had considerable implications for the two young patients regarding long-term anticoagulation and have highlighted the need for further clinical trials regarding the safe use of retrievable IVCFs during pregnancy.