Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Plasma Levels Are Significantly Elevated in Patients with Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Abstract

Background: Since growth and de novo generation of cerebrovascular malformations were demonstrated, a strictly congenital model cannot be further supported as unique factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has previously been demonstrated to be highly expressed in AVMs by immunohistochemical methods. However, systemic VEGF levels have not been analysed previously. This study aimed to investigate VEGF plasma concentrations as a possible plasma marker for neovascularization in patients with cerebral AVMs compared to healthy controls. Methods: The study included 17 patients with cerebral AVMs and 40 healthy controls. VEGF plasma concentrations were measured by a specific enzyme immuno-assay. Results: VEGF plasma concentrations were significantly higher in patients with cerebral AVMs (mean 140.9 pg/ml, SD 148.5 pg/ml and median 63.0 pg/ml) compared to a healthy control group (mean 44.7 pg/ml, SD 36.4 pg/ml and median 35.0 pg/ml), p = 0.0003. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VEGF plasma concentrations might play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral AVMs. Further studies are necessary and would contribute to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral AVMs.