Experimental Animal Models of Arteriovenous Malformation: A Review.

Jude Raj,Marcus Stoodley

doi:10.3390/vetsci2020097

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital lesions that cause brain haemorrhage in children and young adults. Current treatment modalities include surgery, radiosurgery and embolization. These treatments are generally effective only for small AVMs. Over one third of AVMs cannot be treated safely and effectively with existing options. Several animal models have been developed with the aims of understanding AVM pathophysiology and improving treatment. No animal model perfectly mimics a human AVM. Each model has limitations and advantages. Models contribute to the understanding of AVMs and hopefully to the development of improved therapies. This paper reviews animal models of AVMs and their advantages and disadvantages.

Highlights

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that lead to the formation of a tangled collection of vessels referred to as a “nidus” [1,2,3]
Animal models have been developed because naturally occurring AVMs in animals are quite rare
There is no animal model that is perfect with all the necessary characteristics

Summary

Introduction

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that lead to the formation of a tangled collection of vessels referred to as a “nidus” [1,2,3]. The high-pressure shunt of arterial blood flowing through the fragile vessels in the nidus and the draining veins can cause intracranial haemorrhage resulting in death or disability [4,5]. The prevalence of this condition is 0.01%–0.5% of the population with presentation common in children and young adults [2,6]. Development of a new effective treatment for AVMs is likely to depend on the use of appropriate animal models. Standardising animal model use for each research indication would hopefully lead to uniformity in research methods and more efficient progress towards the goal of developing better treatments for AVM patients

Study of AVM Haemodynamics

A: End-to-end anastomosis B: End-to-side anastomosis C

Radiosurgery

Genetic Studies

Findings

Conclusions