Regression of an arteriovenous malformation of the brain

Abstract

It is generally accepted that an arteriovenous anomaly can increase in size. Reports about a spontaneous reduction in size of such malformations are, however, rare. The case is reported of a patient, suffering from an arteriovenous malformation, which was partly removed. During 8 postoperative years, serial follow-up angiograms revealed alterations in the configuration of the pathological vessels, a shift in position of the malformation accompanied by angulation of afferent and efferent vessels, a change in vascular calibre and final disappearance of the abnormal vessels. It was assumed that repeated small haemorrhages, thrombosis and local tissue reactions ultimately caused the disappearance of the malformation.