Expression of angiogenic factors in cerebral arteriovenous malformations

BACKGROUND： In the process of vascularization, vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, angiopoietin-2 and Tie2 are involved in the migration, differentiation and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, and stimulate the rapid angiogenesis; Tiel and angiopoietin-1 play important roles in facilitating the formation of vascular lumen and maintaining the integrity of vascular wall. Thus the distributions and expressions may be associated with the occurrence of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the biological effects of angiogenic factors in the occurrence and development of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. DESIGN： An observational comparative experiment. SETTINGS： Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command of Chinese PLA; Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. PARTICIPANTS： Fresh samples of complete cerebral arteriovenous malformations resected in 47 patients were collected from the Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from August 1999 to May 2001, including 22 males and 25 females, the mean age was 34.5 years. Informed consents were obtained from all the patients or their relatives. The initial symptom was hemorrhage in 28 cases. All the patients were classified according to the clinical imaging data and Spetzler-Martin grading standard, including 11 cases of grade Ⅰ, 17 cases of grade Ⅱ, 11 cases of grade Ⅲ, and 8 cases of grade Ⅳ - Ⅴ. Normal brain tissues resected by decompression due to trauma were taken from 8 patients as controls, including 5 males and 3 females, aging 12 - 65 years. METHODS： ① The expressions of VEGF, Tie receptors, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, proto-oncogene c-myc and proliferating cell nuclear antigen（PCNA） in the samples of cerebral arteriovenous malformation were detected with immunohistochemical method. Under light microscope, the positively stained rat-anti-human factor Ⅷ-related antigens （specific marker of vascular endothelial cells） were counted, then the immuno-positive cells of the other antibodies in the visual field of neighboring section which was in ＂mirror＂ relation were counted, and the percentage of the latter to the former was considered as the labeling index of positive cells. The immunostaining intensity was classified negative （ - ）： no positive cells; positive （＋）： number of positive cells 〈 20%; moderately positive （＋＋）： number of positive cells 20% - 50%; strongly positive （＋＋＋）： number of positive cells 〉 50%. ② The differences of the enumeration data were compared with chi-squam test, and the correlation were analyzed with the linear correlation analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expressions and distributions of VEGF, Tie 1 and Tie2 receptors, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, PCNA and c-myc in the samples of cerebral arteriovenons malformation and normal brain tissue. RESULTS： ① Expressions of angiogenic factors in the control group and cerebral arteriovenons malformation groups of each grade： The positive rates of VEGF, Tie2, angiopoietin-2, c-myc and PCNA expressions in the control group were significantly different from those in the cerebral arteriovenous malformation groups of each grade （ x^2=21.09 - 34.23, P 〈 0.05）, whereas the positive rates of Tiel and angiopoietin-1 expressions were close （ x^2=3.43 - 3.869, P 〉 0.05）. ② Expressions of angiogenic factors in hemorrhage group and non-hemorrhage group： The expressions of VEGF, angiopoietin-2 and PCNA in the hemorrhage group were significantly lower than those in the non-hemorrhage group （ x^2= 16.22 - 26.56, P 〈 0.05）. There ware no obvious differences in the expressions of Tiel and angiopoietin-1 expressions between the hemorrhage group and non-hemorrhage group （ x^2=3.22 - 3.78, P 〉 0.05）.The VEGF was positively correlated with the expressions of c-myc and PCNA （r = 0.728, 0.916, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： ①The expressions of angiogenic factors and related receptors may be involved in the process of cerebral arteriovenous malformation, and had important correlation the its clinical grading. ② Angiogenic factors may induce the expression of endothelial cell c-myc in cerebral arteriovenous malformation, and then interfere the cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Gold Nanoparticles in Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Objective of the study: To explore the potential for therapeutic gain with gold nanoparticles in arteriovenous malformation radiosurgery based on their interaction with photons and protons. Study methods: Radiation dose enhancement resulting from the interaction of gold nanoparticles with irradiation ranging from kilovoltage to megavoltage photons and protons was researched in the literature. The role of angiogenesis and its regulation via vascular endothelial growth factors and cell membrane receptors, especially for endothelial cells in arteriovenous malformations, was investigated as a way for selective arteriovenous malformation deposition. Results: Radiation dose enhancement with gold nanoparticles is described in the literature but has so far only been investigated for its potential in treating malignancies. Because of the high atomic number of gold (Z = 79), dose enhancement occurs with photons mainly based on secondary photon and Auger electron production and the dose enhancement factor is the highest for irradiation with kilo voltage photons. Dose enhancement happens with megavoltage photons also but to a lesser extend and is mainly due to the ionization of gold by secondary photons and electrons generated by the megavoltage photons passing through tissue. The range of the secondary photo electrons emitted by gold is sufficient to cover the entire endothelial cell content. Protons interact with the production of Auger electrons which have a very short range, insufficient to cover the entire contents of endothelial cells, but sufficient to cause a high cell membrane dose for membrane located gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Arteriovenous malformations are dynamic entities with angiogenesis taking place. This is reflected by a different expression of angiogenic receptors on the membrane of arteriovenous malformation endothelial cells compared to normal brain blood vessels, thereby opening the opportunity for selective deposition of such particles. For the use in proton therapy a new definition for the dose enhancement factor describing the local effect of nanoparticles is proposed. Conclusion: The concept of nanoparticle enhanced radiosurgery for arteriovenous malfor-mations by selective deposition of gold nanoparticles is a novel approach. The local dose enhancement opens the way for therapeutic gain which in turn could lead to improved obliteration rates and/or a shorter latent period.

Diagnosis and treatment of diffuse cerebral arteriovenous malformations

目的 探讨弥漫型颅内动静脉畸形(AVM)的临床特点、影像学特征、病理改变及 治疗方法。 方法 回顾分析8例经脑血管造影证实为弥漫型颅内动静脉畸形患者的临床及影像 资料。 结果 8例弥漫型脑AVM的脑血管造影影像不同于典型的脑AVM,可见多条供血动脉和 弥漫的异常血管染色,边界不清,染色不匀,没有明显的畸形血管团边界,有数条引流静脉。手 术治疗的4例中,2例畸形团全部切除,1例先栓塞后切除畸形团,术后复查仍有残留,1例因位 于重要功能区未能全部切除。术中及组织病理学检查发现,在异常的动静脉血管间有正常脑组织 存在。另4例中,2例再出血死亡,2例未做治疗。 结论 弥漫型脑AVM在脑血管造影和组织 病理学上不同于典型的AVM,其病变范围可能存在一个局限病灶到弥漫性损害的发展变化过程。 对于非重要功能区的患者可以考虑手术切除,但是全部切除比较困难。

Estimation of Treatment Benefit in Patients with Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Background: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular lesions that may be associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. There is still today no consensus regarding treatment of unruptured AVMs. Using known data from the literature, and data from our own institution concerning stereotactic radiotherapy, our aim was to construct an equation that may be used to evaluate the benefit of intervention vs. conservative treatment in unruptured AVMs. Methods: Assuming an annual bleeding risk of 4% and previously reported mortality (29%) and morbidity (16%) rates after a bleeding from an AVM, an equation was constructed. This equation would estimate the time until the combined mortality and morbidity associated with conservative treatment would equal the mortality and morbidity of stereotactic radiotherapy. Results: Using stereotactic radiotherapy this treatment would benefit over conservative treatment in excess of 8.12 years. The risk of bleeding was the most important factor influencing the benefit of intervention vs. conservative treatment. Conclusions: We argue that that it may be possible to estimate the benefit of intervention vs. conservative treatment in an unruptured AVM. This may be achieved using our proposed equation and data specific to each center performing treatment for AVMs.

Ectopic recurrence following treatment of arteriovenous malformations in an adult:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Digital subtraction angiography(DSA),the gold standard for the diagnosis of intracranial arteriovenous malformations(AVMs),can show clean nidus resection,leading to a perceived cure.Most cases of intracranial AVM recurrence have been reported in pediatric patients.The conventional understanding indicates that AVMs arise when abnormal blood vessels develop between the fourth and eighth weeks of embryonic development,which coincides with the typical period of blood vessel formation in the brain.As such,recurrent ectopic AVM are rare in adults.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present the case of a 31-year-old adult with a history of an intracranial AVM originally diagnosed with a symptomatic de novo cerebellar AVM formation.Recurrence was observed five years following angiographically-confirmed excision of the initial AVM.DSA performed prior to initial AVM resection indicated no cerebellar abnormalities.Moreover,the recurrent arteries exhibited differences in arteries and draining veins.In addition to reporting this case,we analyzed six previously-reported adult patients with similar ectopic recurrent AVMs.These cases are summarized to review and explore the potential causes of ectopic AVM recurrence in adults,which increase the likelihood of acquired AVM.CONCLUSION The clinical course of the reported patients demonstrated the possibility of ectopic AVM recurrence in adults.The median time between the diagnosis of the initial AVM and the occurrence of ectopic recurrent AVM in adults was 11 years(range:5–20 years).Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up for more than 10 years may be required in adult AVM-treated patients.

Surgical strategy for cerebral arteriovenous malformation with acute hemorrhage

BACKGROUND： Presently, there have been craniocerebral operation, interventional embolization,stereotactic radiotherapy and other methods in treating cerebral arteriovenous malformation （AVM）.However, the standard of different therapeutic regimens of cerebral AVM at the acute stage of hemorrhage has not been completely identified.OBJECTIVE： To observe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic effects of AVM at the acute stage of hemorrhage in patients, and to analyze corresponding therapeutic strategies.DESIGN： Non-randomized clinical observation.SETTING： Department of Neurosurgery, Foshan First People＇s Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University.PARTICIPANTS： Forty-six patients with cerebral AVM complicated by hemorrhage admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Foshan First People＇s Hospital between January 1999 and December 2006,were involved in this study. All the patients were confirmed as cerebral AVM complicated by hemorrhage by brain angiography or/and postoperational pathology. The involved patients, 32 males and 14 females,averaged 25 years old, ranging from 6 to 62 years. Informed consents of therapeutic items were obtained from the relatives of all the patients.METHODS： ①On admission, skull CT and brain angiography were conducted in the involved subjects. ②The therapeutic method was confirmed according to the consciousness, hematoma region, hematoma volume,imageological results following comprehensive analysis： DSA examination was permitted to identify the size and position of abnormal vessel mass, and the distribution of feeding artery and draining vein. Craniocerebral operation was carried out as early as possible in patients with severe or progressive conscious disturbance, in which most of hematoma with obvious occupied effect or cerebral hernia was located in lobe of brain. The primary thing was to clean intracerebral hematoma for in time decompression. According to different situations, corresponding therapeutic measures were used for resecting abnormal vessel mass, and the treatments of patients were observed. ③The therapeutic effects were assessed following Glasgow outcome scale（GOS） at 3 months after hemorrhage.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ①The examination results of skull CT and brain angiography of patients on admission. ②Treatment of patients. ③GOS results at 3 months after hemorrhage.RESULTS： Forty-six patients were involved, and all of them participated in the final analysis. ① Examination results of skull CT and brain angiography： Bleeding part： frontal lobe in 7 cases, parietal lobe 15, temporal lobe 19, occipital lobe 3, cerebellar hemisphere 2, and hemorrhage rupturing into ventricle 10. Haematoma volume： small volume of hematoma （〈20 mL） in 4 cases, moderate volume of hematoma （20 - 50 mL） 14, large volume of hematoma （ 50 - 80 mL） 21, great volume of hematoma （〉80 mL） 7; Abnormal vessel mass： Among 17 patients undergoing aortocranial angiography, abnormal vessel mass was found in 16 patients, including cortex 13 patients, basal ganglia and thalamencephalon（deep part） 2 patients, and posterior cranial fossa 1 patient. The size of abnormal vessel mass： small （〈3 cm） 4 patients, moderate （3 -6 cm） 9 patients, and large （〉6 cm） 3 patients. The type of feeding artery： perforating branch blood-supply 1 patient, cortical branch blood supply 13 patients, mixed branch blood supply 2 patients. The type of draining vein： cortical draining （superficial part） 10 patients, deep part draining 2 patients, and mixed draining 4 patients. ② Treatment condition： Among 17 patients undergoing brain angiography followed by craniocerebral operation, hematoma was removed and AVM was completely resected in 12 patients, hematoma was removed and AVM was partially resected in 3 patients, and only hematoma was resected in 2 patients; Among 24 patients undergoing emergent craniocerebral operation, hematoma was removed and AVM was completely resected in 5 patients, hematoma was removed and AVM was partially resected in 9 patients, and only hematoma was resected in 10 patients; Expectant treatment was carried out in the early stage in 5 patients. When disease condition was stable, AVM resection was separately or complicatedly conducted in 13 patients, embolization in 4 patients, and γ - radiotherapy in 5 patients. ③GOS： 5 patients died in postoperative complications, and among the other patients, 19 had moderate or had not functional impairment, 13 had moderate disability, 6 had severe disability, 2 were vegetative state, and 2 died. ④Post-operative re-examination of brain angiography： Among 16 patients undergoing AVM, vessel mass disappeared in 9 patients.CONCLUSION： Good therapeutic effects can be obtained by choosing proper therapeutic regimen according to clinical and imageological characteristics of patients with arteriovenous malformation complicated by hemorrhage at the acute stage.

Imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 may contribute to hemorrhage in cerebellar arteriovenous malformations

In this study, we determined the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 and -2 in brain tissues and blood plasma of patients undergoing surgery for cerebellar arteriovenous malformations or primary epilepsy （control group）. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 was significantly higher in patients with cerebellar arteriovenous malformations than in patients with primary epilepsy. The ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 to matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhagic cerebellar arteriovenous malformations compared with those with non-hemorrhagic malformations. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-2 levels were not significantly changed. These findings indicate that an imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-I, resulting in a relative overabundance of matrix metalloproteinase-9, might be the underlying mechanism of hemorrhage of cerebellar arteriovenous malformations.

Understanding the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of brain arteriovenous malformations

Brain arteriovenous malformations(AVMs)are abnormal vessels that are prone to rupture,ausing life threatening intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Understanding the moleaular basis of pathogenesis,timely diagnosis,and treatment of brain AVMs are some of the urgent problems in neur osur gery.MiaoRNAs(miRNAs)are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene-epression psttranscriptionally.MiRNAs are involved in almost all biological procsss,induding cell proliferation,apoptosis,and cell differentiation.Recent studies have shown that miRNAs an be involved in brain AVMs formation and rupture.There are also extracellular forms of miRNAs.Circulating miRNAs have been detected in the blood circulation and other body fluids.Owing to their stability and resistance to endogenous RNase activity,circulating miRNAs have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases,such as tumors,cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.In this review,we summarized the role of some miRNAs in brain AVMs pathogenesis and discussed their potential cdinical appliation as non-invasive biomarkers.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with Onyx embolization

Background In the past 5 years, new treatment materials and techniques offering a different concept in endovascular treatment have been described for cerebral arteriovenous malformations （CAVMs）. The aim of this study was to assess the endovascular treatment of CAVMs by using a liquid embolic material, Onyx （ Micro Therapeutics. Inc. , Irvine, CA, USA）. Methods From September 2003 to September 2004, Onyx was used to treat 22 patients with CAVMs. Ten AVMS were located in functional areas, 8 in deep cerebral areas, and 4 in the cerebellar hemisphere. The size of CAVMs was about 3 cm in diameter in 5 patients, 3 -6 cm in 11, and more than 6 cm in 6. Results In the 22 patients, Onyx embolization was successful. Nidus occlusion was complete in 3 patients, 〉 90% in 8, 〉 80% and 〈 90% in 6, and 〉 50% and 〈 80% in 5. Complications included transient neurological deficits in 2 patients, and adherence of microcatheter to the site of injection in 2. Conclusions Being non-adhesiveness, Onyx is a safe and satisfactory embolic material in the treatment of CAVMs. But its long-term efficacy awaits further follow-up.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler sonography for cerebral arteriovenous malformations compared with angiography

Background Intraoperative Doppler sonography has been used in the neurosurgical operating room for the localization and description of cerebral arteriovenous malformations （AVMs）. This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler sonography, including its ability to assess the location and identify of feeding arteries in patients with AVMs and to compare this method with angiography.Methods Twenty-three patients with cerebral AVMs who were diagnosed using angiography, were examined with contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler sonography. As an echo-enhancing agent, Sulphur Hexafluoride Microbubbles for Injection （＂SonoVue＂） was administered intravenously in all patients. Sonogram results were reviewed and correlated with angiographic findings. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied.Results Angiography identified 20 AVM lesions in the anterior or middle fossa and 3 in the posterior fossa.Contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler was somewhat less sensitive for only detecting 21/23 （91.3%） of the AVM lesions. Additionally, contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler slightly underestimated AVM size compared with angiographic findings but showed feeding arteries with sufficient acoustic properties. In 15 patients, angiography revealed a coincidental blood supply from another intracranial vessel, which was missed by contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler sonography.Conclusions In a limited group of patients with AVMs, contrast-enhanced intraoperative Doppler sonography was a less sensitive but useful and simple method for the detection of AVMs in contrast to angiography. No specific untoward effects were attributed to the use of ＂SonoVue＂ as a contrast-enhancing substance.

Clinical and pathological changes in cerebral arteriovenous malformations after stereotactic radiosurgery failure

Background Stereotactic radiosurgery is an altemative to resection of intracranial cerebral arteriovenous malformations （AVMs）, while it will fail in some cases. This study aimed to evaluate the changes after stereotactic radiosurgery for AVMs.Methods Nineteen cases with cerebral AVMs had failure after stereotactic radiosurgery therapy. The symptoms and angiography were assessed. All patients underwent microsurgery. Pathologic examination was performed for all cases and electron microscopic examination was carried out in 6 patients.Results Seven cases had hemorrhage from 12 to 98 months after stereotactic radiosurgery, 5 had headache, 4 had refractory encephalon edema, 2 had epilepsy as a new symptom and 1 had a pressure cyst 5 years after radiosurgery. Angiography in 18 cases, 8-98 months after radiation therapy, demonstrated no significant changes in 5 cases, slight reduction in 9, near complete obliteration in 1 and complete obliteration in 3. An abnormal vessel was found on pathologic examination in 17 cases, even one case had obliterated in angiography. Electron microscopy examination showed vessel wall weakness, but the vessels remained open and blood circulated. One case died because of a moribund state before surgery. The other 18 cases had no new neurological deficiencies, seizure control and no hemorrhage occurred after microsurgery at an average follow-up of 3 years.Conclusion Stereotactic radiotherapy for AVMs should have a long period follow-up. If serious complications occur, microsurgery can be performed as salvage treatment.

Systemic Hemodynamic Changes in Low-Dose Ethanol Embolotherapy for Soft-Tissue Arteriovenous Malformations

Background Ethanol embolotherapy is considered an optimal choice for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations(AVMs);however,there are some complications associated with this treatment.This study aimed to prospectively investigate systemic hemodynamic changes in high-flow AVMs using ethanol embolotherapy.Methods From September 2012 to September 2014,34 male patients and 26 female patients with AVMs who underwent embolotherapy(100 sessions in total)with absolute ethanol were included in this study.Invasive systolic blood pressure(SBP)and heart rate(HR)were recorded before and after each injection and throughout the procedure.Differences between the initial and highest SBP(ΔmaxSP)and HR values(ΔmaxHR),as well as the initial and final SBP(ΔSP)and HR(ΔHR)values,were analyzed.We aimed to explore the potential association between these values and the amount of ethanol that was used.Results The total ethanol used was variable(0.01–0.40 mL/kg;mean,0.20 mL/kg).SBP and HR increased after ethanol injection in most sessions(91 in 100 sessions).SBP decreased in 9 sessions(9 in 100 sessions),while HR,oxygen saturation,and end-tidal CO2 decreased in one of the 9 sessions.ΔmaxSP andΔmaxHR averaged 38.4 mmHg and 27.8 bpm,respectively(both P<0.05),whileΔSP andΔHR averaged 3.4 mmHg and 4.0 bpm,respectively(both P<0.05).ΔmaxSP andΔmaxHR were positively correlated with the total dose of ethanol injected.Conclusions Elevations in SBP and HR during ethanol embolotherapy are common,temporary,and most likely pain-mediated;these increases tend to be positively correlated with ethanol dose.Hypotension may be regarded as an acute complication of ethanol embolotherapy.Hypotension combined with bradycardia,oxygen desaturation,and decreased end-tidal CO2 may be a potential predictor of cardiovascular collapse.

The application of ultrasound in the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Ultrasound is used in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cerebral arteriovenous malformation （AVM）. Several parameters including flow velocity, flow volume, resistance index, pulsatility index, vasomotor reactivity and their influencing factors are reviewed. The applications of ultrasound in the preoperative evaluation, intraoperative monitor and postoperative follow-up of AVM, are summarized. Although some limits exist, ultrasound can provide more reliable information about AVM, if lesions are classified according to their characteristics, compared in different conditions between preoperation and postoperation, feeding and non-feeding side, patients and healthy adults, and if ultrasound method is combined with other examinations and different developed ultrasound techniques. With the appearance and development of new ultrasound technique, its application will be wider in management of AVM..

Overview of peripheral arteriovenous malformations:From diagnosis to treatment methods

Based on the latest classification by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies in 2018,vascular malformations(VMs)can be categorized into simple,combined,VMs of major named vessels,and VMs associated with other anomalies.Simple VMs include lymphatic,venous,capillary,and arteriovenous malformations(AVMs).AVMs represent disorders of direct arteriovenous shunts caused by the absence of a capillary bed between the involved arteries and veins.This abnormal vascular communication causes arterial blood to accumulate in the venous vessels,thus resulting in venous hypertension and characteristic clinical manifestations,such as pulsation,tremors,and elevated temperature.AVMs can occur sporadically or as manifestations of syndromic lesions and are considered among the most complex and challenging VMs.The diagnosis and treatment of AVMs can vary depending on the lesion location and associated clinical symptoms,thus complicating their management.Herein,we discuss peripheral AVMs in terms of their clinical manifestations,imaging examinations,and staging systems to provide a comprehensive reference for the treatment,evaluation methods,and follow-up procedures for this vascular anomaly.

A low-grade cerebral arteriovenous malformation suspected of being a metastatic tumor:A case report and literature review

Cases of low-grade cerebral arteriovenous malformations(c AVMs)showing dynamic changes and large areas of brain edema on short-term MRI follow-up have rarely been reported.This report describes an incidentally discovered and initially misdiagnosed c AVM in a patient with malignancies.The presence of abnormal signals surrounded by large areas of brain edema combined with tortuous or dilated vessels indicates the possibility of an AVM,especially in young people.

Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Multiple Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Identified at the Onset of Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM), which is asymptomatic in most cases, is often identified in patients with central nervous system disorders such as brain abscesses and/or cerebral infarctions. We have reported a patient with idiopathic multiple PAVM identified at the onset of cerebral infarction. A 69-year-old woman visited the Department of Neuropathic Internal Medicine at our hospital with chief complaints of numbness in her left hand and a feeling of weakness. The patient was given a diagnosis of subacute cerebral infarction. Multiple old lacunar infarctions were also observed in the deep white matter of the left frontal lobe. Chest computed tomography showed multiple nodular structures, mainly in the right lower lung field (S8), as well as continuous arteries and veins at the site;thus, the patient was finally diagnosed with multiple PAVM. Right lower thoracoscopic lobectomy was performed, as is typical surgical practice in such cases. The patient had a favorable postoperative course, and had no recurrence of cerebral infarction. Although the patient’s lesions were mainly restricted to S8, the fact that there were multiple lesions deemed a lobectomy as the appropriate course of treatment. This case emphasizes that attention should be paid to cases of multiple PAVM since cerebral infarction may arise from the disease.

Embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations with squid co-polymer embolic material:Initial experience

Objective:To analyze the safety and effectiveness of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer(EVOH)liquid embolic agent Squid(Emboflu,Switzerland)for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations.Materials and procedures:Between April 2015 and July 2017,46 embolization treatments for brain arteriovenous malformations(BAVM)were performed in 25 patients using two Squid formulations(18 and 12).Six female and 19 male patients with a mean age of 34 years(range,9–62 years)were included.A total of 46 procedures were performed.The BAVMs were classified as Spetzler-Martin gradeⅡin 4 procedures,Ⅲin 27 procedures,and 1V in 15 procedures.Among the 25 patients,15 presented with hemorrhage,5 with seizures,and 5 with headache and neurology.The BAVMs were located in the temporal lobe in 5 patients,parietal lobe in 7 patients,frontal lobe in 3 patients,posterior fossa in 6 patients,basal ganglia in 3 patients,and parasagittal lobe in 1 patient.Results:The obliteration rate of the BAVMs ranged from 10%to 100%,with a mean of 33%.Most patients underwent their first or second embolization procedure.Four patients(8%)developed intracranial bleeding post procedure,with one death(2%).One patient(2%)experienced a seizure during the procedure;however,no intracranial bleeding was observed.Seven patients(15%)experienced perforations during catheter manipulation.One case(2%)of fractured catheter was recorded,but no significant complications were observed.The average volume of copolymer injected was 0.6 ml per nidus.Thirteen procedures used the Squid-12 formulation,29 procedures used the Squid-18 formulation,and 3 procedures used a combination of Squid-12 and-18 formulations.Conclusion:Squid is a safe and effective embolic agent for treating BAVMs.

Percutaneous Transluminal Embolization with Coils-Treatmentof Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations

The clinical values of coils em boliztion in the treatm ent of pulm onary arteriovenous m alformations (PAVM ) and related complications were investigated.Eleven patients with PAVMs verified by pulm onary arterial angiography were treated by transcatheter coils em boliza- tion.Chest X- ray(11cases) ,com puter tomography(7cases) and/ or magnetic resonance im aging (2 cases) were performed before embolization.Blood- gas analysis was done in5 cases before and after em bolization.The follow- up materials of8patients were collected to evaluate the effect of em bolization with coils.The clinical m anifestations included cerebral em bolus,hem optysis and de- creased oxygenation in 9patients and the remaining 2 had no sym ptoms.9/ 11cases were found by chest X- ray and 8were diagnosed definitely.7/ 7,2 / 2 cases were diagnosed by CT or MR and di- agnosis was m ade in all cases.Embolization was perform ed in 2 9vessels.Partial pressure of oxy- gen in arterial blood of5 cases changed significantly before and after embolization.Slight com pli- cations occurred in 6 patients,such as low fever,chest pain,pleurisy.The follow- up results showed that7cases were cured effectively.No primary and secondary device migration,and no m edical paradoxical em bolization occurred.It was concluded thatcoils em boliztion is a well- estab- lished m ethod for treating PAVMs.It is a m inimally invasive lung preserving treatment with high efficiency and less com plication.

Combined Endovascular and Surgical Treatment for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations in Biplanar Hybrid Operating Room

Objective Combined surgical and endovascular treatment for vascular disorders has become prevalent in recent years.However,reports on one-session hybrid surgery for arteriovenous malformations(AVMs)are relatively rare.The safety and efficiency of combined treatment for brain AVMs were analyzed in biplanar hybrid operating room(OR)at one stage.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients with AVMs undergoing combined surgical and endovascular treatment from October 2015 to June 2018.The data for resection rate,microcatheter adhesion,surgical position and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.Total resection or near-total resection was achieved in all cases.Results A total of 13 patients were under combined endovascular and surgical procedures,and 7 experienced surgery with intraoperative digital subtraction angiography.Sitting position was applied in 3 of them;2 niduses in cerebellum,and 1 in parietal lobe.Compared with admission modified Rankin Scale(mRS)in all patients,postoperative 12-month mRS showed a significant decline.Besides,3 patients experienced microcatheter adhesion after endovascular embolization,thereafter underwent surgical adhesion removal while nidus resection was done.Conclusion Combined endovascular and surgical modality in a hybrid OR at one stage provides a safe strategy for the treatment of AVMs.The biplanar hybrid neurointerventional suite is endowed with unconstrained operating angle which enables combined endovascular and surgical treatment in sitting position.It also reduces the risk of microcatheter adhesion,which enables interventional radiologists to perform aggressively.