Arteriovenous malformations are an uncommon condition including unusual connections between the arteries and veins in the body. While interesting, they can be dangerous and can lead to pain and bleeding. They increase in size as time progresses and from being asymptomatic can become life threatening.
Treatment :
- Embolisation : Blockage of the arterial inflow either by coils, glue or alcohol can lead to reduction in size of the malformation by cutting off the blood flow.
- Sclerotherapy : It is used for slow flow malformations where the agent is directly injected into the veins to block them off.
- Surgical excision : If the nidus of the AV malformation is large, it leads in recurrences. Such cases require excision and removal of the nidus.