Brain stem arteriovenous malformations: Was preoperative diagnosis possible in this case?

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving brain stem in children are uncommon. These lesions usually present as hemorrhage as the first manifestation. When these lesions present both clinically and radiologically as a mass lesion without hemorrhage, it is very difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis of AVM as in the present case. With sophisticated imaging modalities, it may be possible to suspect this diagnosis; however, with limited facilities still, it will be difficult to approach these lesions as in present case.