Arteriovenous Malformations of the Posterior Fossa

✓ We have operated on 12 of 14 cases of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the posterior fossa since 1968, with one death. The lesions were in the cerebellum in 10 cases (three anteromedial, one central, three lateral, and three posteromedial), and in the cerebellopontine angle in two; in two cases the lesions were directly related to the brain stem. The AVM's in the anterior part of the cerebellum were operated on through a transtentorial occipital approach.

Download Full-text

Characteristics of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Presenting with Seizures without Acute or Remote Hemorrhage

The Neuroradiology Journal ◽

10.1177/197140091102400610 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 886-888 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

P. Jiang ◽

X. Lv ◽

Z. Wu ◽

Y. Li ◽

C. Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Posterior Fossa ◽

Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Venous Drainage ◽

Brain Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Male Sex

We report on the predictors of seizure presention in unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Between 1999 and 2008, 302 consecutive patients with AVMs were referred to our institution for endovascular treatment. Seventy-four patients (24.5%) experienced seizures without hemorrhage before treatment. We tested for statistical associations between angioarchitectural characteristics and seizure presentation. When we compared the 74 patients with seizures without hemorrhage with the 228 patients who did not experience seizures initially (total of 302 patients), male sex, cortical AVM location, AVM size of more than 3 cm, superficial venous drainage and presence of varices in the venous drainage were statistically associated with seizures (P=0.016, P=0.002, P=0.022, P=0.005, and P=0.022, respectively). Posterior fossa and deep locations and coexisting aneurysms were statistically associated with no seizures. The angioarchitectural characteristics of AVM associated with seizure presentation include male sex, cortical AVM location, AVM size of more than 3 cm, superficial venous drainage and presence of varices in the venous drainage.

Download Full-text

Persistent embryonic veins in arteriovenous malformations of the posterior fossa

Acta Neurochirurgica ◽

10.1007/bf01406021 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 48 (1-2) ◽

pp. 67-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

C. Vidyasagar

Keyword(s):

Posterior Fossa ◽

Arteriovenous Malformations

Download Full-text

Posterior fossa subdural hematoma due to ruptured arteriovenous malformation

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/foc.2000.8.6.10 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Narendra N. Datta ◽

Kwong Y. Chan ◽

John C. K. Kwok ◽

Christopher Y. F. Poon

Keyword(s):

Arteriovenous Malformation ◽

Posterior Fossa ◽

Subdural Hematoma ◽

Subarachnoid Space ◽

Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Acute Subdural Hematoma ◽

Rare Entity ◽

Neurosurgical Department ◽

Usual Location

Patients with cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (AVM) commonly present to the neurosurgical department after having suffered hemorrhages. The subarachnoid space is the usual location for these often repeating episodes of bleedings. In addition, these patients can present with parenchymal hemorrhage. Acute subdural hematoma caused by a ruptured cerebellar AVM is a rare entity and is not generally recognized. The authors present a case of acute posterior fossa subdural hematoma resulting from a ruptured cerebellar AVM.

Download Full-text

Surgical Management Of Posterior Fossa Arteriovenous Malformations

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000204641.38419.2d ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 58 (suppl_4) ◽

pp. ONS-189-ONS-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

John Sinclair ◽

Michael E. Kelly ◽

Gary K. Steinberg

Keyword(s):

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Surgical Resection ◽

Posterior Fossa ◽

Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Cranial Nerves ◽

Venous Drainage ◽

Cerebellar Nuclei ◽

Preoperative Embolization ◽

Frameless Stereotaxy ◽

Microsurgical Resection

Abstract Objective: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the cerebellum and brainstem are relatively rare lesions that most often present clinically as a result of a hemorrhagic episode. Although these AVMs were once thought to have a more aggressive clinical course in comparison with supratentorial AVMs, recent autopsy data suggests that there may be little difference in hemorrhage rates between the two locations. Although current management of these lesions often involves preoperative embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery, surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, conferring immediate protection to the patient from the risk of future hemorrhage. Methods: Most symptomatic AVMs that involve the cerebellum and the pial or ependymal surfaces of the brainstem are candidates for surgical resection. Preoperative angiography and magnetic resonance imaging studies are critical to determine suitability for resection and choice of operative exposure. In addition to considering the location of the nidus, arterial supply, and predominant venous drainage, the surgical approach must also be selected with consideration of the small confines of the posterior fossa and eloquence of the brainstem, cranial nerves, and deep cerebellar nuclei. Results: Since the 1980s, progressive advances in preoperative embolization, frameless stereotaxy, and intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring have significantly improved the number of posterior fossa AVMs amenable to microsurgical resection with minimal morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Future improvements in endovascular technology and stereotactic radiosurgery will likely continue to increase the number of posterior fossa AVMs that can safely be removed and further improve the clinical outcomes associated with microsurgical resection.

Download Full-text