Bilateral Congenital Pelvic Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Through a paradigmatic case and a systematic literature review, we present various endovascular strategies for treating pelvic paravesical arteriovenous vascular malformations (AVMs), with a focus on the efficacy of accessing the shunt point through direct puncture of the venous collector. A 42-year-old male with nonspecific pelvic pain underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan, which revealed bilateral pelvic AVMs characterized by a network of arteriolar afferents originating from the internal iliac arteries and the inferior mesenteric artery, draining into 2 interconnected giant venous sacs in the bilateral paravesical space. The malformation was classified as type II according to the Cho classification. Following an unsuccessful attempt at transarterial embolization, we devised a plan for bilateral transvenous embolization in 2 separate sessions. Venous access was achieved through percutaneous transperineal ultrasound-guided puncture of the dominant outflow venous sac. A microcatheter was then placed directly into the shunt point, where sclerosant and embolic agents were specifically delivered. Follow-up imaging showed complete obliteration of both pelvic AVMs. Effective hemostasis of pelvic paravesical AVMs can be achieved by targeting the shunt point from the aneurysmal dominant outflow vein, potentially through direct percutaneous puncture. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a transvenous approach in cases of embolization of pelvic paravesical arteriovenous vascular malformations (AVMs). The key to successful treatment lies in occluding the shunt point within the aneurysmal dominant outflow vein's wall, which can be reached transvenously and potentially through direct percutaneous puncture. Although arterial occlusion can be performed additionally, it should not be performed alone due to its higher risk of AVM persistence/recurrence.