Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations

Neurosurg Focus. 2009 May;26(5):E12. doi: 10.3171/2009.2.FOCUS0914.

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the posterior fossa are complex neurovascular lesions that are less common than their supratentorial counterparts, accounting for < 15% of all AVMs. The majority of patients with these lesions present with intracranial hemorrhage, a factor that has been consistently shown to increase one's risk for subsequent bleeding. Studies have additionally shown a posterior fossa or deep AVM location to portend a more aggressive natural history. The authors reviewed the literature on posterior fossa AVMs, finding their annual rupture rates to be as high as 11.6%, an important factor that underscores the importance of aggressive treatment of lesions amenable to intervention as therapeutic options and results continue to improve.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basilar Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Basilar Artery / pathology
  • Basilar Artery / physiopathology
  • Brain Stem / blood supply
  • Brain Stem / physiopathology
  • Cerebellum / blood supply
  • Cerebellum / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / epidemiology*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / physiopathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / blood supply
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / epidemiology*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / physiopathology*
  • Radiography
  • Risk Factors
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / epidemiology*
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / physiopathology*